X FACTOR: 80s Week

So it's WEEK FIVE and our top eight were supposed to enter into 80s Week. Can I just say, I was disappointed that there were no fluoros, wrist and/or head bands, latex or leg warmers on our stage this week. The only thing that was remotely 80s-like was Nat's dress. Nevertheless, this week was another strong week for all our contestants.

Strandouts:

FOURTUNATE: Although they weren't in the bottom two last week, they did receive mixed comments. But this week the judges were unanimous in their glee (yes, I just wrote 'glee') in hearing just their vocals again this week. I personally agreed with Guy in regards to the second half of the song. I felt like the big-band entrance was unnecessary, but at the same time I do understand that they needed it, considering they weren't busting any moves on those giant boxes - hahaha!

THE COLLECTIVE: After those horrible suits (which would have suited - hahaha, unintended pun - this week PERFECTLY!) last week, The Collective we're back in their grunge-wear and even placed themselves on thrones to anchor the fact that they're here to stay. I loved their rendition of Madonna's Like A Prayer. It was good to see HSC student (yes, he still sat the English paper 1 MONDAY AFTERNOON), Jayden, rock his solo. I was also glad to hear another rap from Will again.


Let downs:

Can I just say, there were no real let downs, I'm just picking on Nat's girls this week because there was just as much waterworks this week as there was dry-ice last week.

Bella and Shiane both sang beautifully last night.  Shiane shared something personal that inspired her to sing as well as she did. But I was more annoyed that Bella showed her nerves even before she started and broke down the moment she was about to get her comments. I know that sounds harsh and I definitely understand that there's a lot of pressure that comes with these public-vote shows, but you have to ask about hidden agendas after two girls from the same category start crying. I just think, that some of the contestants need to enjoy their time in X Factor just as much as they work hard. You need to have a balance of both bliss and hardship, otherwise you just get lost in either the 'big dream' or drowning in a pool of your own sweat.

The Verdict

Bottom Two: Angel and Sammie

After a night of awesome performances, it was a slight shock to see two of the strongest voices in the bottom two. In saying so, I think the judges need to remember that the Australian public is voting in relation to Monday's performance and not their journey. Ultimately, what the judges do every Tuesday night, choosing between the bottom two, is what we, the public, do every Monday night (only we have to choose our favourites from the remaining finalists each week). The only issue I have with this is the fact that voting lines are opened as the first contestant takes to the stage, so ideally, those who have not performed yet could potentially already have votes before they've even stepped on stage. Give me back Idol days where we voted AFTER the show.

This week we entered into deadlock and Australia again had to decide. The choice was Angel. I personally have no thoughts on tonight's verdict. With What About Tonight it was clear that there was something lacking regardless of the constant comparison to One Direction (one I still do not see! I don't care what 1D say, 5 teenage boys who sing does not equal "the next 1D"). But tonight, it could have gone either way. I felt at Week Five we should feel closer to at least all the contestants.

I mean I can admit that Bella annoys me sometimes, but at least I know what she's does that annoys me; and  I'm glad at the fact that she can shock me when she does. Jason has that shy-kid appeal that Australia is falling in love with, as well as his down to earth nature that translates whenever he takes criticism. Nathaniel has the quirky cheekiness about him, but I think we connect a lot more with him because he maintains eye contact when he sings; but I still feel like there's more to him that we're not seeing. Shiane has been a sweetheart from the very beginning and her humble attitude just speaks volumes to an audience looking for someone to depend on. Fourtunate have had a great story from the beginning and we've seen them before, which is probably why they're still going strong - they're memorable. The Collective weren't the forerunners, but they made their mark for three weeks straight and fell slightly in week four, but this week came back; the appeal with them is the "wow" factor - the "OMG, they really are talented together!" element. I think with them, Australia was a little hesitant, but they've made it clear, they belong here.

That's my thoughts for the week!

Much love,

sL xxx

X FACTOR: Legends Week

For a week that was suppose to showcase the Legends of music, this week fell short in comparison to the calibre that the contestants placed for themselves (and each other) last week. Nevertheless, this week showcased the nasty side of more than one judge - not just to the contestants, but also to each other. And yes, Scary Spice was in the house, along with a Fiery Ronan and a slightly Grumpy Guy. There was also an excess on dry-ice, I wonder how cold it was in the studio tonight!

Standouts:

Nathaniel Willemse - “The Scientist” (Coldplay)

Poised and disciplined, with his fingers gliding across the piano keys, Nathaniel hushed the crowd as he played and sang his rendition of The Scientist. Herald as one of his best performances, I have to say, Nathaniel really did step it up a notch this week and really listened to Guy. No muscle showing just for fun, no cheesy dance moves, just his voice and the piano - just the way it should be.

Samantha Jade - “Run to You” (Whitney Houston)

I really wasn't too sure about how Sammie would be this week after seeing the set list, but I have to say, she did Whitney justice and definitely delivered her best performance yet. Last week I said that she butchered Britney's Everytime with her excess ad-libs and extended notes, this week she too showed a lot of discipline in holding back and making sure that she wasn't over doing anything, she was just singing. 


Carmelo Munzone - “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” (The Police)

After two weeks of awkwardness and getting used to the loud crowd, Carmelo has finally stepped up to the plate and delivered a much needed 'best performance' since his audition. Finding his feet and only needing to work a little on his timing, Carmelo has finally been able to showcase the same quirkiness and ease in performing that Australia initially fell in love with - a little cheesy with the dancers, but hey - that's reality TV for you.



Odd Choices:

The Collective - “A Hard Day’s Night” (The Beatles)

Ok, it's no lie that I'm a big fan of these guys, but I have to agree with the other judges this week about having to choose a more modern song. I mean, yes granted The Beatles are the greatest 'legendary' band - no argument there - but out of the 27 number 1 singles that they have, Ronan chose "A Hard Day's Night"??? Don't even get me started on those horrible suits! I just felt like this week's song choice was an excuse to throw in some dancing - which was not well executed - and just to make sure that people at home are reminded that these guys are high-energied and can bring a house down. I would have rather they did Hello, Goodbye or Help! at least those would have show cased a different vibe that could be possible for the boys. It would have also been nice to here the boys do a slower song - it's Week Four, this is where they need to showcase a different energy. Biggest let down for me this week.

Bella Ferraro - “Ray of Light” (Madonna)

Did we enter into a time-warp?! I feel like I heard Ronan complain about Nat's song choice for Bella before - oh right when she did What Makes You Beautiful. And why was that again? Oh! I remember, because suddenly it was about re-shaping it to suit Bella's voice. AGAIN - how is she suppose to grow?! Why not pick songs that DO suit her voice that fit into the theme and then let her shine! MADONNA??? Are to kidding me? The Queen of Pop for a girl who's clearly and Indie singer?! Like c'mon! Sure her set is grander and she looked stunning - but there was no enjoyment in the song choice; there was very little commitment; and at times I didn't even know what she was singing! I feel like saying, "C'mon Nat!!! If you thought she was going to have Matt-Corby-like sound, why are you giving her more songs like that!!!"

Angel Tupai - “Dirty Diana” (Michael Jackson)

After being in the bottom two last week, it was a shame to have Angel forget her lyrics this week. Sure I didn't notice - highlighting what the other judges said about being professional and moving forward - but Mel's right, forgetting lyrics is an acceptable in WEEK FOUR especially in a series where so many contestants (in clouding Bella) have either been sent home or had to work extra hard to stay in the competition. Although she sang beautifully, I just didn't think it was her best performance and I completely agree with Mel about Angel taking a step backward rather than forward.


Overall:
I thought the strongest mentor-contestant relationship this week was Guy. Both his remaining contestant have shown their ability to listen and deliver. They have both grown in their personal journey to the finals week and I'm hoping that it's not another Justin case where it's they're best performances and both or any of them are in the bottom two and leave in the eviction night tomorrow. Votes should be based on the performances not looks. Re-watch the footage and make the right choice Australia.

The Verdict

Bottom Two: Carmelo and Fourtunate.

Well, I can't really say I was too shocked this week, last night's performances were anything but "legendary". But I have to say, I was disappointed to see Carmelo in the bottom two tonight, seeing as I thought it was his best performance out of all three live shows that he was able to showcase his talents. Although Ronan was absolutely devastated to see one of his groups at the bottom, Guy's right, they we haven't really seen them do anything more than high-energied performances. Where have their voices gone?

But I was devastated when we didn't see a lockdown happen tonight.  Nevertheless, we saw Carmelo's comeback end as Guy decided that he wanted to see more from Fourtunate. I'm convinced that the judges need to stop saying, "Best performance so far," because at the moment that the kiss of death, it's exactly like saying, "You're going to win this competition." Like no. This is a public-voting show, no one is safe.

sL xxx

PS.

This was written over the two days - so the first half was written last night and the second have was written tonight.

X FACTOR: Top Tens Week

This week our Top 10 take on songs that have hit the TOP TENS all across the globe - and no, surprisingly no one sand a Justin Bieber or One Direction song this week...odd. Overall I was shocked by the high standard that everyone brought to the plate and enjoyed the night. Even Mel B gave 'credit where it was due'.

The official twitter for X Factor AU released the set list on their website and I was shocked at how well each judge had matched their contestants with hits that would 100% showcase why they deserved to be in the Top 10 and deserve a spot in next week's Top 9. I have to admit, I had to YouTube song choices for Carmelo and (not surprisingly) The Collective due to unfamiliarity with either the song titles or the artists.

Standouts:

Justin was the biggest surprise of the entire night. Beginning the show with Fun.'s, "Some Nights" with a country twist, his vocals were at its best and I love every minute of it! Having seen the set list prior to the show, I was delighted with Guy's song choice for Justin. He was the only one that really shocked me tonight.

The groups, Fourtunate and The Collective were yet again at the hight of their game as they 'wowed' the audiences and the judges with their excessive amounts of pelvic thrusts. 

Fourtunate not only sang their little hearts out, they're every movement were in tune to the beat of the song. The only thing I really want from Fourtunate in future is to do softer, more ballad-like song to showcase their amazing voices that we fell in love with.

The Collective were nothing short of surprises - no not just a song choice from a foreign boyband from the past, but rather with a medley thrown into the mix! The seemingly 'outdated' "classic", You Got It (The Right Stuff) by The New Kids on the Block, had the black-and-white video clip come to life with Michael Jackson's, Billie Jean (see what I did there? ;P). The boys were yet again in their element and also showcased Julian and Jayden's voices this week - which works as a treat to remind us that they were individual artists prior to the home visits.

The Verdict

After an incredible lineup of guest stars including, The Veronicas, Lady Antebellum and P!nk, it came down to, very shockingly, Angel and Justin.  It came as a shock to see Justin in the bottom two seeing as last night's performance was his best this far in the competition. If the verdict was based solely on last night's judges comments, Angel would have easily been eliminated tonight.

But let's rewind before I talk about the final decision. Judging from last night's performance, the bottom two I was expecting were:

Carmelo for his lack of confidence. Last's weeks performance was forgivable being his first week back into the competition, but this week, it was like he took a step backwards. In stead of getting the hang of the live shows, he seems to have lost himself in the pressures of the competition. Last week he was able to do what any great performer does when they're nervous - smile and keep the show going, but this week, there was very little of that confidence and fear was clearly written in his face. I hope Carmelo doesn't ruin this second chance, otherwise last week's story on the Josh Brookes scandal on Today Tonight may have us seeing Josh back in the competition:

Another contestant who did not do as well as I thought she would have was Samantha Jade:

Singing Britney Spear's, Everytime, it should have been the perfect song choice for the 25-year-old. She started well, but began to get pitchy and slightly screechy towards the end of the performance. The beauty of this song is it's simplicity. The set was perfect - Sammie wasn't in a giant dress or a dome to stop her from moving, but even in her stillness, it would have been an easy ride to a, "brilliant performance" from all the judges. But when she started doing the ad-libs and trills, she lost the heart of the song. I think that even though this show is about showcasing you voice, there's also a need to do justice to the song. There's a big difference between owning a song and trying to tackle it.

Nevertheless the results are what they are. The only reason we saw Angel in the bottom two tonight is because the stakes were so high last night. It's so hard to determine who will and won't be in the bottom two. But for Angel I agree with Mel, I feel like the song choices for Angel haven't been able to showcase who she is as person through her voice. We saw Angel literally struggle with the concept of her song this week in the recap video that plays before they perform, and I think it just became very evident after her performance. Vocally, she was AMAZING!!! But her self-confidence and doubt creeped up towards the end of the song all the way through to the judges comments.

But when she sang for her life tonight, there was no doubt that she would take the final spot in the fourth week of the live shows. Although Justin did perform at his best last night, it as not enough to get him out of the bottom two, and tonight, he was out shined. 

It just goes to show, that "no one is safe."

sL xxx