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.