It’s been a long journey but we’ve finally arrived at the final. To be fair all of the acts stood a chance of winning so performances would all-important.

Journey South – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me

The judges thought it was a great choice of song and a great performance. At this festive time of year then it would take a mean spirited individual to disagree.

That’ll be me then!

I thought the opening was very shaky indeed and it’s those first few bars that had me on edge throughout the rest of the song. I didn’t think the song suited them and there was something lacking in their execution.

A ropey start.

I just hope I’m not visited by three spirits during the night.

Rating:

Andy – When a Man Loves a Woman

After a few weeks of underperforming, Andy was back on safer ground with this classic and he more than nailed it.

For me he owed it to departed Brenda to prove he was worth his place in the final and certainly achieved that with one of the best performances by anyone in the entire series.

I loved it.

Rating:

Shayne – If You're Not the One

The falsetto bits of this had me on the point of wincing, I kept thinking of Mickey Mouse but overall it was an enjoyable effort.

While Shayne has proved himself to be a competent performer, he has yet to establish his own style, being something of musical chameleon and I wondered whether the eclectic nature of his song choices through the run would do him more harm than good when it came to the public vote.

Rating:

For me then it was definitely round one to Andy, which was something of a surprise.


Journey South – Happy Christmas War is Over

I’ve been enjoying the John Lennon compilation album over the last few weeks so with John’s version so at the forefront of my mind I was absolutely prepared to hate this.

However it kind of worked. Even the kiddies in the background didn’t get on my nerves. Andy and Carl did a decent job with it, the harmonies worked and at this point I decided to break out the mince pies.

Perhaps I’m not such a Scrooge after all.

Rating:

Andy – O Holy Night

Okay, I am a Scrooge.

I got that feeling I get when Cliff’s Saviour’s Day comes on the wireless. It’s not a good feeling. This is not my favourite Christmas song and though Andy did a great job with it, it really wasn’t my cup of tea.

Great performance though which is the point really.

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Shayne – When a Child is Born

I always associate this song with the rich and vibrant tones of Johnny Mathis and this version really didn’t compare well.

It was something of a wimpish rendition and worryingly seemed to lack any heart or conviction.

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The Auditionees – My Way

It turns out that Sing ‘em a Song Della can actually sing. Perhaps she’ll be back next year.

It was painful though wasn’t it? I much preferred that chicken plucker bloke from last year.

Rating:

Journey South – Let It Be

When they did this last week, I said I hated the suits. For some reason they just don’t look right dressed like that.

As far as the vocals go just like last time they did a stand up job.

Rating:

Andy – Me and Mrs. Jones

Playing absolutely to his strengths, Andy capped off what can best be described a glorious comeback with a song that showcases his talent magnificently.

Andy really rose to the occasion and whatever the result, he can have the satisfaction of knowing he couldn’t have done any better.

Truly superb.

Rating:

Shayne – Somewhere Over The Rainbow

As I mentioned in my review of Rowetta’s album I find it really difficult to take this song seriously thanks to a sketch by Kenny Everett in the eighties.

It was a spirited performance but I though it was very strange choice as a final song and with the voting so close, could be perceived as a tactical error.


Rating:

Dek’s Verdict

It was a marvellous finale and worthy of what has been a wonderfully entertaining series.

All three acts did themselves proud and all three have improved since the series began. As viewers we can’t ask anymore of them than that. With such strong performances, it really becomes a matter of personal taste so for me the pick of the night was Andy who I’ve been a fan of since the very first show in the series. I was highly delighted that he’d managed to hit form again on the big night.

Thanks

Thanks for all your e-mails and comments during the run, especially those of you who were auditionees. It was great to hear from those of you who got involved and get your perspective on the competition.

I’m slightly tempted to have a quick gargle with the old TCP, pop down to he auditions for the next series and give the judges a chance to sample my pub singer stylings. I’m just not sure the world’s ready for it yet.

The results show

The journey was over for Journey South as they finished third but I have to say that they really have made the best of their talent. There’s no way I would have predicted them being in the top three at the start of the live shows and there is no question they have grown in stature as the show has progressed. I don’t see how it’s possible for them to have done more and they should be proud of their achievements.

Andy vs Shayne – That’s My Goal

I can’t say I’m bowled over by the choice of song for the single but I suppose it was difficult to find something that would suit all the finalists.

Andy did a decent job with it though I’d hope future singles from him would be a bit more soulful.

The problem with both acts having to sing the same song is that the second one up is at a bit of a disadvantage. There was nothing wrong with Shayne’s version, far from it, but I feel the song suited Andy better and for me Andy’s was the best version. I can’t help thinking that I like to hear Brenda doing it though.

I have to say that I found Shayne’s tearful begging for votes a bit off-putting.

So the winner turned out to be Shayne but as we learnt last year, it’s how the music buying public respond that will crown the true winner.

I hope you all have a Christmas that’s as lovely as you are.

It’s been emotional.

Hugs

Dek