This week the Australian Idol contestants were allowed to sing the songs they felt represented them best. The open-ended theme was designed to showcase the best in them, but it also gave the contestants just enough rope to hang themselves.
But before all that, it was time to send one hopeful home. This week Kate Cook, Stan Walker, and James Johnston found themselves in the bottom three, but it was Kate’s turn to go. It was a close call, but I saw this one coming. It hurts to see her go, but we’re at that point where we have to lose people that we love. I just hope this isn’t the last we see of her.
James Johnston opened the show with Duffy’s “Mercy.” As always, he sang this well, but James didn’t do enough with it to make it really special. My biggest complaint was with the delivery. It seems he didn’t connect with the lyrics at all. Begging for mercy? With all that smiling and bounce, it didn’t seem like James was begging for anything!
Toby Moulton returned to his Brit Pop love with Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” I love Toby, but I hated this. It felt like karaoke, and bad karaoke at that. It didn’t showcase his voice, or deliver any emotional punch at all. I could have picked a million better songs for him.
Nathan Brake took on Maroon 5’s” Makes Me Wonder” and completely nailed it. I wasn’t sure about the song choice at first, but he really pulled it off. He’s got that lovely pop sensibility combined with such an incredible voice. He’s really hitting his stride right now, and I’m thrilled.
Hayley Warner was back to her rocking best with The Killers’ “Somebody Told Me.” This is what we were missing from Hayley, and it’s the key to her hanging around a little longer. After a little stumble, I was thrilled to see her pull this out.
“Hallelujah” is a song that has been covered so many times, yet Stan Walker still managed to make it his own. This was stunning, magical, incredibly intense and beautiful. I love the way he built this. On a night where there’s been a lot that’s been good, he was amazing.
James Johnston performed the crowd-pleasing “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon. This started out really strong for me, with the stripped-back instrumental accompaniment and intimate feeling. It was solid throughout, but I would have rather he stayed in that acoustic space. It just made it a little more special, although I hardly think what he did will harm his chances of sticking around.
Toby Moulton hasn’t convinced me to pick up the phone tonight, with song two perhaps being even a little worse than song one. I’m just not sure why he keeps picking these mournful British songs. He might love them, but they’re really not where he should be as an artist. It was just boring to me. He can sing beautifully, but I wouldn’t buy an album if this is what I could expect to hear.
For some time I’ve been calling Nathan Brake this year’s Ben McKenzie. He’s touched me in the same way; that sensitive, sweet, gentle boy who moves me week in and week out. So it’s fitting that this week he took on “Mad World,” the very song that made me fall in love with Ben McKenzie all those years ago. I’m not sure it quite measured up to that standard, but boy it came close. This resonated with me. Nathan is so authentic and committed, and I can’t use enough superlatives to describe what he brings to the competition. It’s getting to the pointy end, and he’s bringing everything he needs to.
Hayley Warner made a really smart choice with Paloma Faith’s “Stone Cold Sober.” This is one of those of-the-moment songs, and she delivered it with the right amount of edge and snarl. If anything, this might have been just a little better than the original!
Stan Walker went back to his roots with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” He never disappoints. This was just pure fun. It wasn’t going to change the world, but sometimes it’s just delightful to bounce around and enjoy it.
Honestly, I think Toby’s in danger tonight. I’m getting frustrated with him, and I have a feeling I’m not the only one.