Here’s the news plenty of my young readers have been waiting for: Australian Idol runner-up Matt Corby will sign a record deal with Sony BMG this week.
“He’s signing with Sony on Tuesday,” Matt’s manager David Caplice of Caplice Management told The Sydney Morning Herald.
So much for word that Sony would only sign this year’s winner, right? Still, with many believing Matt was this year’s most marketable Idol contestant, and Natalie struggling to reach the top spot on the charts, it’s not surprising the record giant has broken its rules.
Matt had previously said he was worried a record company would make him a pop star, rather than allowing him to play the blues and roots music he prefers. It seems his Sony deal will give Matt the artistic freedom he’s been looking for. I can’t wait to hear what this talented teen releases.
Last night our Australian Idol hopefuls Natalie Gauci and Matt Corby had one last chance to impress the public. But did they pull it off? Who deserves the winner’s crown? Here’s my verdict on the final showdown.
Matt Corby kicked off the night with his rendition of the winner’s single, “Here I Am.” Newspaper reports earlier in the week suggested Matt hated the song, and while he denied these claims his performance told a different story. I thought he looked really uncomfortable, particularly during the verses.
He looked a lot more at home performing Radiohead’s “High and Dry.” I’m sure Radiohead fans probably hated his loungy treatment of the song, but I’m not a Radiohead fan. I really liked it, but I think his falsetto needs some work.
I was less enthusiastic about his closing song, “Mind’s Eye” by Wolfmother. This should have rocked. The band did, but Matt’s performance felt laboured and tired.
Natalie Gauci seems to be the master of turning hideous pop songs into gold. Just as she did weeks ago with “Umbrella,” Nat did a great version of Timbaland’s “Apologise.”
She followed it up with a breathtaking version of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” Considering how she struggled with the high notes in “Ray of Light,” I was a little nervous about this, but she pulled it off for a commanding performance. For me, this was the performance of the night.
She closed the show with the winner’s single “Here I Am.” This is the way this song needs to be sung, no question. Her performance had vulnerability and strength all at the same time. Wow.
Reading my comments, I guess you know which way I’m hoping the verdict goes. I’m backing Natalie for the exciting performances she’s delivered in recent weeks. Matt started the competition really strong, but lately he’s been a bit lacklustre. Natalie, on the other hand, has gone from strength to strength. I also really don’t want to hear Matt’s version of “Here I Am” saturating radio waves. It’s going to be a really close call, but Natalie has my vote.
It’s taken some time, some tears, and some tantrums, but Australian Idol 2007 has been whittled down to just 24 competitors. If you believe the hype, and the comments on the blog, the one all the girls are watching this year is Matt Corby.
But don’t think this 16-year-old is just a pretty face. While his piercing blue eyes and shaggy hair may have sent hearts fluttering, it’s his soulful voice and guitar skills that saw him cement a place amongst the best of the best.
But the road to Idol fame and fortune won’t be easy for Matt. He’s in one of the toughest semifinal groups this Sunday. So how will he fare against fellow glamour boy Daniel Mifsud, former X Factor contestant Jacob Butler, swing king Carl Riseley, 80’s loving oddball Husny Thalib, and islander underdog Junior To’o? Remember kids: the only way to ensure he makes top 12 is to vote, vote, vote!
And now, as requested by some of Matt’s biggest fans Stacey and Mikaela, here’s a video of the man himself!