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