I was a bit critical of The X Factor due to some questionable judging choices last week, but I approached tonight’s first live show with an open mind. Here’s how it all went down.
Luke and Joel kicked the night off with Good Charlotte’s “Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous.” I thought Guy had picked a smart song; it’s not a track that really challenges the vocals and it does allow natural charisma to shine through. I still stand by my views though that these guys aren’t top 12 material. All the personality in the world can’t make up for an inability to sing.
I always felt Hayley Teal was one of the biggest contenders in the competition, but I was in two minds after the performance tonight. It all started for me when Nat dyed her hair brown. It continued with the slick, choreographed performance of “Bust Your Windows.” She nailed it vocally, but I just worry that we’re losing Hayley in the process. I loved her edges, and I’m a bit disappointed that she’s been polished up. I guess we’ll see what happens next week.
I was a bit skeptical when I heard Kyle had picked Kelly Clarkson’s “Already Gone” for Chris Doe, but I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t flawless by any means, but for the first time tonight I felt the heart. This was the connection I’ve been craving all night. There’s definitely some potential there, and I ‘m looking forward to seeing him grow in this competition.
Amanda Grafanakis was up next with Ne-Yo’s “Closer.” I think this was probably the most well rounded performance to that point. The vocals were on point and she performed it really well. I still didn’t feel my socks blown off, but I really couldn’t fault her on anything. If she’s this good in week one, I can’t wait to see how she develops.
Kharizma really impressed me with “Empire State of Mind.” There was that elusive connection that I’ve felt lacking in so many of the performances tonight. They definitely sold the story of the song. For the first time I felt that they stepped up rather than living in Mahogany’s shadow.
Mitchell Smith bored me with his rendition of Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” The poor boy looked so uncomfortable with it all. I’ve heard some amazing indie covers of this song, and I feel if he’d gone down that road he’d have felt a lot more at home. I’ve seen him be great in the past, and I hope he gets the opportunity to show us more of that.
James McNally did the first brilliant performance of the night with the Joe Cocker version of “With a Little Help from My Friends.” I’m not a fan of the slick makeover, but I do love his energy. His vocals are sensational, and I’m into the theatrics. I hope Australia gives him a chance, because he seems like one of the most interesting performer so far.
I was really impressed when Natalie chose “Red” for Sally Chatfield, and when she got rid of some of that metal. Sally just got a little more approachable tonight I think. She delivered it so well, with conviction and grace. This was the point in the night where I felt it all took a turn for the better.
Mahogany answered the critics with a stunning rendition of Adam Lambert’s “Whataya Want From Me.” I really liked the stripped back treatment, which allowed their voices and impeccable harmonies to shine. These girls are the real deal.
Kyle really shows how limited his musical knowledge is on these judges’ choice nights. Rihanna’s “Please Don’t Stop the Music” definitely wasn’t the song for Andrew Lawson, but I was pleased that he went down the Jamie Cullum cover version road with it. I don’t think he was a patch on Jamie’s version, but at least he was heading in the right direction.
I was a bit disappointed when I heard Nat chose “Battlefield” for India-Rose Madderom as it felt like more generic pop, but to her credit she did quite well with it. It’s not the song I would have picked, but I think despite a few pitchy moments she put more into it than Jordin Sparks. So while I think another song would have worked better, I have to give her props for what she did.
I really questioned Ronan’s decision to keep Altiyan Childs in the competition, and then to give him Train’s “Hey Soul Sister.” That song has a lot of lyrics after all. But with the trimmed back version, he delivered. He’s turning into the hard luck story of the competition, and we all know how Australia loves an underdog. He could really be the surprise packet of the competition, at least if he remembers the words next week.
It was a shaky start to The X Factor, but I think the program’s showing that it has legs. I can’t help wondering how different the complexion would be if some of my favourites were still there, but we have who we have, and they did alright. I think Mitchell and Luke and Joel are on shaky ground, but we’ll see what happens tomorrow night!