Tag: Australian Idol

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idols Go Their Own Way

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 Johnson 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 Johnson 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.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idols Take on Stage and Screen

I don’t mind admitting that I’ve anticipated tonight’s episode of Australian Idol like none other this season. I’ve been bemoaning the lack of showtunes for seasons, and now we got to do it with Liza Minnelli. She opened the show with “Cabaret” and was brilliant. It just simply doesn’t get any better.

The men escaped the bottom three, leaving Kate Cook, Kim Cooper, and Hayley Warner in the bottom three. Kim’s been a perpetual member of the bottom three, so it wasn’t a great surprise that she left us. I’ll miss her though!

Toby Moulton opened the show with “Somebody To Love.” Taking on a Queen song is always a tall order, because quite frankly you’re never going to be Freddie Mercury. But despite that, I think he did really well. He didn’t let the song scare him, and that confidence really made it.

Stan Walker was right in the pocket for “Circle of Life.” It was the perfect song for him, and he didn’t put a foot wrong. I was wowed. This is why he hasn’t been in the bottom three; he’s just that good.

Kate Cook did a little Dusty with “Son of a Preacher Man,” but honestly she looked a little lost. She got lost in the lyrics and fell off them all over the place. There was no sex here, and with a song like this there should be. It was a big disappointment for me, because I really like Kate.

Hayley Warner took on Powderfinger’s “These Days.” I couldn’t fault the way she sang it, but it didn’t jump off the page. It’s a little scary considering she was in the bottom three last week. She needed to do better.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Brings Back Big Band

I have really missed Big Band night on Australian Idol. I’m so glad that now Kyle has gone, it’s made a reappearance. But before we could hear the old standards, it was time to give someone the boot. It was another all-male bottom three this week, with Nathan Brake, Scott Newnham, and James Johnston all facing the chop. It seems Scott’s fans couldn’t forgive a few weeks of subpar performances. It was definitely his time.

Kate Cook kicked off the show with Ray Charles’ “Hit The Road Jack.” I loved the way she built this, starting it slow and then upping the tempo. I also loved the Australian quip at the end. This was a great way to kick off the show.

Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” was always an unlikely choice, but Stan Walker pulled it off and then some. I was incredibly impressed by this. I was unsure whether he’d suit big band, but he showed he can apply himself to any genre. This was a highlight not just of the night, but the series.

Kim Cooper got slammed for her rendition of “The Man I Love,” but I actually loved it. Kim continues to impress me with her genuine interpretations and poise. Her voice may not be the strongest in the competition, but I her honest performances cut through that. She also looked stunning; not that it matters in terms of performance but as a girl I’ve got to admit that I loved the look.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Does Pink

I’m a little late with my Australian Idol recap this week. Blame the heady excitement, then crushing defeat of the NRL grand final. When you’ve waited 23 years for your team to taste victory, it takes a few beverages to ease the pain of loss. But I digress.

Last night was Pink night on Idol, which may very well be the lamest excuse for a theme ever. That’s particularly true when the colourful one herself is nowhere to be seen. I think there should be a rule that there can’t be a performer-centric Idol theme until that person or band has notched up at least 15 years in the biz. But again, I digress.

Before we were saturated with Pinkness it was time to send one Idol packing. With all the girls safe, we were left with an all-male bottom three. Those unlucky lads in for a nervous wait were Scott Newnham, James Johnson, and Tim Johnson. I really didn’t mind who left us, although I felt James had definitely done enough to stay. As it turned out, we said goodbye to Mr Bland, Tim Johnson. I’ll probably miss his generically handsome face, but that’s about all.

Nathan Brake lived up to his early promise with an incredible performance of “Just Like a Pill.” I love Nathan more than any other Idol, so I may be a little biased, but I thought this was brilliant. He stripped back the layers and allowed himself to be raw, vulnerable and beautiful. He seemed on the verge of tears through most of it, and that was compelling. I haven’t been wowed by Nathan in recent weeks, and that was making me nervous. This was just what I needed to hear from him.

After tonight’s stint in the bottom three, Scott Newnham needed to pull out something special. “So What” may have been the worst possible song choice for him. This is where experience comes in. The song isn’t dynamic enough to really showcase what he can do. It’s a lot of fun to belt out in the car, but that’s about all. The result was something that felt incredibly karaoke. I also didn’t see him connecting with the lyric, which was the only thing that could have saved it. Far too much joy, not enough venom.

Stan Walker reminded me a little of my Parramatta Eels this week. It was clear that something was wrong in the first section of the song. He could have so easily have fallen in a heap. But he picked himself up and kept going to create something that, in the end, he could be proud of. His performance of “Dear Mr President” wasn’t the best of the night because of its early flaws. But it was wonderful and moving nonetheless.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Does 80s

80s night is always my favourite night of Australian Idol. These are the songs I grew up with, unashamedly daggy, flamboyant, and fun. But before we could get into the good stuff, we had to say goodbye to one our Idol hopefuls. Kim Cooper, Sabrina Batshon, and Nathan Brake found themselves in the bottom three. It was understandable I suppose, but hard to hear that one of my faves would be leaving the comp. Sadly that person was Sabrina. I guess her big personality was just a little much for some. It’s a shame; I was really hoping to see her bust out something amazing this week.

I was very concerned when I heard Nathan Brake was taking on Bon Jovi’s rock anthem “Livin’ on a Prayer.” It’s one of my favourites, and I doubted whether Nathan had the grit to really deliver it. He really didn’t. He hit all the right notes, but it just didn’t feel believable to me. There is so much 80s stuff that would have suited him a lot better.

Scott Newnham took on “Let’s Groove.” I couldn’t fault the vocals, but the delivery was a little bland for me. His “dance moves” were also really awkward. Honestly I wanted Gary Pinto to take the microphone from him and finish the song.

Hayley Warner busted out a little Bruce Springsteen with “Dancing in the Dark.” I really enjoyed this. It wasn’t deep or meaningful, but neither was the 80s. It was incredibly fun, and exactly what she needed to do. It felt like this was the first time someone actually “got” the decade.

Toby Moulton went for a little Foreigner with “I Want to Know What Love Is.” I’ve always said that more Idols need to sing power ballads, but not like this. This was completely devoid of the passion that you need in a power ballad. Did he even listen to the lyrics? They go something along the lines of “In my life there’s been heartache and pain, I don’t know if I can face it again.” I heard none of that desperation. This was more Mariah than Foreigner, and it was much poorer for it.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Barnes Bows Out of Australian Idol on Top 10 Night

Tonight the Australian Idol top 10 sang top 10 hits. But first of all we had to get to just 10 by eliminating one of our contestants. I was honestly shocked to see Kim Cooper and Sabrina Batshon sharing the bottom three spots with serial offender Casey Barnes. While I love Casey, when compared with those two girls he really deserved to go.

Sabrina Batshon kicked it off with “When Love Takes Over.” I really liked her enthusiasm, and the different approach she took on this song compared to the serious numbers we’ve had in the past. But I don’t think this was her best vocal performance. It was a little pitchy, and shrieky in places. It’s a shame, because I liked seeing this different side of her.

Toby Moulton stripped back and slowed down the ‘80s classic “Take On Me.” I love love love this song, and while it was a very different version, I loved it too. It felt very intimate, and to get that across to a television audience is very special indeed. This was just beautiful.

Kim Cooper embraced her pop roots with Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance.” This has never been one of my favourite songs, but I think she brought a new depth and edge to this track. I also appreciated that her vocals didn’t suffer with her dancing. Achieving that balance is a tricky one, and I think Kim managed it.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ashleigh Toole Leaves Australian Idol on Rock Night

Australian Idol rocked this week with special guest mentor and judge Suzi Quatro. But before we could get into the business, someone had to go. This week saw Tim Johnston, Casey Barnes, and Ashleigh Toole land in the bottom three. Despite never putting a foot wrong in the comp, Ashleigh was the unlucky one ousted. My husband wonders whether all of her fans simply intended to vote as he did, rather than picking up the phone. Either way, she definitely didn’t deserve to leave us so soon.

Hayley Warner, our resident rock chick, was a natural choice to kick off the performances. Her choice of a Paramore number was spot on. I think she took everything Suzi said in her stride and delivered a performance even more compelling than the week before.

Casey Barnes is one of the nicest guys in the comp, so finding his rock edge was always going to be a challenge. I’m not sure he did it with Carolina Liar’s “I’m Not Over”, but we saw a little more angst than we have in the past. It was a solid effort for a singer clearly out of his comfort zone.

I loved Kate Cook’s cheeky choice of Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” Like Casey, she wasn’t in her comfort zone, but I had to admire her commitment. While parts of it were a little shouty for me, she certainly didn’t do it by halves. She gets an A for effort.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Finals Kick Off

The pointy end of Australian Idol kicked off tonight with the first final. But before the performances, we learned that Toby Moulton and Hayley Warner (audience choice) and Casey Barnes and Tim Johnston (judges’ choice) would join our top 12.

Ashleigh Toole kicked off the night with Kelly Clarkson’s “Miss Independent.” It wasn’t a break-out performance, but it was a solid one. While she didn’t wow me, there’s something incredibly likable about her.

Scott Newnham is a bit of a crowd favourite, and he showed why with his version of “Come Together.” He performed the pants off it, and kept the vocals right where they should be. That’s an achievement. He’s such a raw talent, and he’s only going to grow through this competition.

Casey Barnes was up next with Powderfinger’s “On My Mind.” It was great to see him rocking a little bit harder. I also really liked seeing him with his guitar. He seems much more comfortable with it, and he’s got some serious skills. I was surprised he got a wildcard spot over Lauren Street, but performances like this show he deserves a place in our top 12.

Watching Hayley Warner perform “Light Surrounding You” was the first time I was wowed tonight. There’s an incredible honesty about her. She’s an open performer, and while she doesn’t sound the prettiest she makes me feel. That’s much more powerful.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kim Cooper and James Johnston Make Australian Idol Finals on Wildcard Night

After a few days off, I was having Australian Idol withdrawals. Tonight’s show didn’t disappoint, with some of the best talent getting a second chance. But first up it was time to announce our newest finalists. After Thursday’s show Kim Cooper and James Johnston were voted through to the top 12. After some rapid-fire wildcard contestant announcements it was time for the performances.

Lucie Johnson started the show with “Boogie Wonderland.” I really liked her song choice, and I thought the introduction was sublime. But I think when she started to move, she lost it a little bit. Of course you need to dance in “Boogie Wonderland,” but it’s when a few breath and pitch issues crept in. Even with those flaws, she sounds better than most people, but those little flaws distracted me a little. I see a lot of potential in Lucie, but this is going to be one tough night.

Casey Barnes was up next with “Never Say Never (Don’t Let Me Go)” by The Fray. It was an interesting song choice, not so commercial approachable but a lot more believable. The falsetto wasn’t the greatest, but his voice is solid. It was definitely an improvement on last week, but he still feels a little middle-of-the-road.

Aliqua Mao was up next with “The Power of Love.” It was an incredibly dumb choice. If the judges slam you for singing big ballads that are beyond your capabilities one week, you don’t front up and do the same thing for the wildcard night. Celine and Whitney both share the space, and it’s one far above what Aliqua can do. What a wasted wildcard opportunity.

Lauren Street was already on the right path, although she turned down the volume a little tonight. “Low” by Kelly Clarkson was a smart choice. By showing a more vulnerable side, she might just have scored the votes of the people scared off by the Alanis act! Another solid performance that makes me pretty certain the judges will put her through even if the judges don’t.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ashleigh Toole and Nathan Brake Make Idol Top 12

The third semifinal in our big week of Australian Idol kicked off with the announcement of two new finalists. I’m feeling a bit cocky about my tipping skills at the moment! Just as I predicted, Ashleigh Toole and Nathan Brake earned places in the top 12.

Daniel Raso opened up the show with The Real Thing’s “You To Me Are Every Thing.” There’s something so likeable about Daniel, and this was a really fun performance. It didn’t really show off his vocal chops, but it did highlight his mad performing skills. I agree that it was a strange choice, and probably a little too old-fashioned for the voting public, but I still liked this a lot.

There should be a rule not to sing “I Will Always Love You.” Only two people in this world can do it justice: Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton. It was simply too big for Aliqua Mao. Her voice is a little too thin, and she really pitchy. I know how hard this song is to sing. It’s one that I love to belt out. It was a risky move, and I don’t think it paid off, despite Marcia’s praise.

I was disappointed when Nicole Banks missed out on the top 12 last time, so I really wanted her to succeed this year. But I think her version of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” missed the mark. It started off really shaky, and definitely improved. But it simply wasn’t consistent. I’d think she was hitting her stride, and then it went off again. I admire her ambition and vision, but the execution fell short.

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