TV
In Beverley Hills the over 25’s were fighting it out for the last spot.
Blushing bride Maria was up first and I liked her but Sharon’s entourage didn’t seem too impressed, while Richie’s effort with U2’s One seemed to ring their bell. Haifa, probably lucky to have survived boot camp, failed to impress me with Higher and Higher.
Andy the binman, easily my favourite in this category, gave a competent performance of My Cherie Amour while Brenda sparkled with I Just Wanna Make Love To You, seriously good. Joanne also sounded good with Right Here Waiting and it was becoming clear by now that with such a multitude of riches some talented people would have their hearts broken.
As for Chico, all that jumping in the swimming pool just seemed to smack of desperation. If this were a clown competition, he’d have a great chance of winning.
At Simon’s Spanish hideaway the groups faced the final cut.
The Brothers effort with What Becomes of the Broken Hearted seemed like a bad impression of G4 to me. 4tune’s version of I Don’t Wanna Talk About sounded a tad on the laboured side to me.
4th Base seemed to fall at the final hurdle with a performance of Your Song that was simply not up to scratch. Meanwhile The Conway Sisters looked very nervous which may have affected their effort.
Eskimo Blonde’s version of Total Eclipse of the Heart was competent enough and I easily envisage it being a hit if released. Journey South’s Desperado sounded anything but desperate and they managed to shine.
Addictive Ladies seem to have that something extra that transcends their dubious singing abilities. On performance alone, I’d never have them in a final four but they certainly have something.
In Dublin the youthful category were being put through their final paces.
Shane was up first and gave a nice performance, not earth shattering but nice. Young James however didn’t seem as good this time as he had in previous shows.
Alexandra, supremely confident for sixteen year old gave a version of Almaz that didn’t seem quite on the money for me while Chenai continued to impress.
Phillip was another didn’t sound quite right and I was starting to wonder if the acoustics of Louis apartment were right for this final face off. Nicholas has a superb voice, no question about that, but he needs to learn to stay within his range if he wants to make it big. Trevor is another with a voice beyond his years but and it’s a big but, he doesn’t really have the image that marks him out as something special.
When I began this year’s batch of columns, I mentioned several stereotypes to look out for. Chico certainly fills the clown category, which may well explain why he got through.
I was chuffed to bits that Andy got through and Brenda deserved her spot too, a real entertainer if ever there was one. I was also pleased for Maria and Sharon has a decent quartet to take forward. Whether she has a winner remains to be seen but I’d be tempted to wager a quid or two on Andy.
As for the three that didn’t make it, I felt Richie was unlucky not to make the final cut but the competition was fierce. Joanne too can count herself unlucky and I get the feeling we still haven’t heard the last of Haifa.
Simon obviously knows his stuff and Journey South certainly are worth their place in the finals. The Conway Sisters also made it and it will be interesting to see whether they can cope with the stresses of live television. Second time lucky 4tune were also well worthy of their place.
I felt a bit sorry for Eskimo Blonde but Addictive Ladies are a big gamble for Simon. Should it come off or not, it’ll be an entertaining ride.
I think Louis was right not to put James and Trevor through. I wasn’t nice seeing their dreams crushed but at least they’ve got enough time and talent to bounce back.
If I were Louis I’d have put both women through, probably at the expense of Phillip. Shane and Nicholas were certainly worth their spots.
Alexandra is a loss to the competition but let’s hope that Chenai can shine.
As for which of the mentors is in the box seat, it’s hard to say but I’d probably give Sharon the edge at the moment.
More next week.
Album Review: Rowetta
Blushing bride Maria was up first and I liked her but Sharon’s entourage didn’t seem too impressed, while Richie’s effort with U2’s One seemed to ring their bell. Haifa, probably lucky to have survived boot camp, failed to impress me with Higher and Higher.
Andy the binman, easily my favourite in this category, gave a competent performance of My Cherie Amour while Brenda sparkled with I Just Wanna Make Love To You, seriously good. Joanne also sounded good with Right Here Waiting and it was becoming clear by now that with such a multitude of riches some talented people would have their hearts broken.
As for Chico, all that jumping in the swimming pool just seemed to smack of desperation. If this were a clown competition, he’d have a great chance of winning.
At Simon’s Spanish hideaway the groups faced the final cut.
The Brothers effort with What Becomes of the Broken Hearted seemed like a bad impression of G4 to me. 4tune’s version of I Don’t Wanna Talk About sounded a tad on the laboured side to me.
4th Base seemed to fall at the final hurdle with a performance of Your Song that was simply not up to scratch. Meanwhile The Conway Sisters looked very nervous which may have affected their effort.
Eskimo Blonde’s version of Total Eclipse of the Heart was competent enough and I easily envisage it being a hit if released. Journey South’s Desperado sounded anything but desperate and they managed to shine.
Addictive Ladies seem to have that something extra that transcends their dubious singing abilities. On performance alone, I’d never have them in a final four but they certainly have something.
In Dublin the youthful category were being put through their final paces.
Shane was up first and gave a nice performance, not earth shattering but nice. Young James however didn’t seem as good this time as he had in previous shows.
Alexandra, supremely confident for sixteen year old gave a version of Almaz that didn’t seem quite on the money for me while Chenai continued to impress.
Phillip was another didn’t sound quite right and I was starting to wonder if the acoustics of Louis apartment were right for this final face off. Nicholas has a superb voice, no question about that, but he needs to learn to stay within his range if he wants to make it big. Trevor is another with a voice beyond his years but and it’s a big but, he doesn’t really have the image that marks him out as something special.
When I began this year’s batch of columns, I mentioned several stereotypes to look out for. Chico certainly fills the clown category, which may well explain why he got through.
I was chuffed to bits that Andy got through and Brenda deserved her spot too, a real entertainer if ever there was one. I was also pleased for Maria and Sharon has a decent quartet to take forward. Whether she has a winner remains to be seen but I’d be tempted to wager a quid or two on Andy.
As for the three that didn’t make it, I felt Richie was unlucky not to make the final cut but the competition was fierce. Joanne too can count herself unlucky and I get the feeling we still haven’t heard the last of Haifa.
Simon obviously knows his stuff and Journey South certainly are worth their place in the finals. The Conway Sisters also made it and it will be interesting to see whether they can cope with the stresses of live television. Second time lucky 4tune were also well worthy of their place.
I felt a bit sorry for Eskimo Blonde but Addictive Ladies are a big gamble for Simon. Should it come off or not, it’ll be an entertaining ride.
I think Louis was right not to put James and Trevor through. I wasn’t nice seeing their dreams crushed but at least they’ve got enough time and talent to bounce back.
If I were Louis I’d have put both women through, probably at the expense of Phillip. Shane and Nicholas were certainly worth their spots.
Alexandra is a loss to the competition but let’s hope that Chenai can shine.
As for which of the mentors is in the box seat, it’s hard to say but I’d probably give Sharon the edge at the moment.
More next week.
Album Review: Rowetta
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