Here is the article:

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Caption: IT’S still a month out from the Sydney Opera House finale,
but record companies are already queueing up for the chance to sign the remaining Australian Idol finalists.

Labels swoop on latest stars

Article from:

November 01, 2007 12:00am

IT’S still a month out from the Sydney Opera House finale, but record companies are already queueing up for the chance to sign the remaining Australian Idol finalists.

While ratings for the Channel Ten program have fallen slightly flat this year, the diverse array of talent is right on song to pull in lucrative dollars for the nation’s biggest labels.

Both series favourite Matt Corby, along with Natalie Gauci and Marty Simpson have all been propositioned by managers and agencies eager to snare themselves a number one Idol artist, a la 2006 winner Damien Leith.

While Idol affiliate Sony BMG is given the first option on the deals, all the other record companies are then able to swoop on their hit picks 30 days after the series winner as been announced in the finale.

With his pitch-perfect tones and bearing dreamy eyes to match, teenage heart-throb Matt Corby is likely to emerge a winner even if he doesn’t grab the Australian Idol crown – and manager Ralph Carr and executive producer Ross Fraser both agree.

Carr - who manages the music careers of both Vanessa Amorosi and Kate Ceberano – approached Corby during the ARIA Awards ceremony held on Sunday night.

“He was really nice and supportive, and just said if I ever needed any advice to call him,” Corby told Confidential during lunch yesterday.

Last female standing, Gauci, revealed that she had been approached by both Mushroom Records and Sony BMG, while Idol judge Kyle Sandilands - who has just helped to secure his girlfriend Tamara Jaber a US record deal - has told Central Coast dude Simpson that several US labels have expressed interest in his chilled-out style.

Riseley, who was still suffering from the effects of a flu he contracted a few weeks ago, is the only Idol yet to be pursued – however the popular crooner and dark horse is hardly fazed.
 
“I guess that means I’ll just have to win it then,” Riseley said.

Source: news.com.au

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I guess Carl hasn’t been approached because the labels expect him to win and therefore gain the contract from fony/bmg. I know that some think that Matt is the front runner, but the “Matt’s” of the comp never win (think: Rob Mills, Anthony Callea, Lee Harding, Dean Geyer – note that they all do go on to at release some material commercially post-idol)  so I think the industry is not even bothering to go after Carl. Maybe that’s just me…. I just hope we get a decent Natalie album, and not a rushed piece of fluff when she win’s!! *wink* Looking forward to purchaisng Natalie’s Winner’s Journey CD. =)

Peace and stethoscopes!
j.d.

 Milorad Ivovic has been commenting my blog recently, and you should all go out and check his blog over at www.ivovic.com it is a great blog with thoughts on a variety of topics. He puts a lot of effort into each post – it’s very worth the read.

Anyway, he links to a cool site on his blog called www.archive.org which has a “way back” machine, where you can check out archives of old websites. This inspired me to check out www.nataliegauci.com.au which currently only links to her profile on the Idol OS.

  Check it out here: http://web.archive.org/web/20070703163123/http://www.nataliegauci.com.au/

You can heard some radio clips and some clips of her earlier stuff!! I really want her EP!!

 OK… I have been feeling very sorry for Tarisai, and to a point I understand why she has been so upset and lashing back at all the claims that have been thrown her way. She was crucified for not letting people know how she was really feeling, and now we have forced it out of her – she is being crucified again!

But I think she now needs to take a step back and realise that enough is enough, the more she goes on now, the more it is hurting her chances of gaining any respect from the industry; in particular from the record companies.

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This article tipped me over the edge:

October 31, 2007 12:00am

Article from:

FALLEN Australian Idol contestant Tarisai Vushe launched an extraordinary attack on Victorian finalist Natalie Gauci, calling her rude and horrible.

Vushe didn’t hold back with Confidential, revealing she had huge disagreements with Gauci.“She can be nice but she can be horrible,” Vushe said.“I have had to let loose on her a couple of times. I told her off so much, I screamed at her because she was so rude.

This article upsets me, because as you know – I was there live at the verdict show this week. Natalie was visibly upset and apologetic towards Tarisai after the final result had been revealed. So much so that when they were showing Tarisai’s “farewell package” Natalie ran across from the lounge to give Tarisai a hug.  Now I don’t know what happens behind the scenes, but every time I have seen Natalie, she has come across as a lovely person. So I personally take offence to this article. I hope that the media has blown it out of proportion.. otherwise Tarisai is very quickly going to lose my appreciation. Early in the competition I would have placed Tarisai as my favourite to win. I do have to say that Natalie has permanently cemented herself as my favourite. Not just to win the competition, but as my fave idol this year!

By the way… did anyone know that Natalie Gauci released an EP last year?

http://www.cdsuite.com/artists/release.php?album=95 

I WANT IT!

I think that tonight was TOO CLOSE for Natalie, I know that I am going to step up the voting. She needs to be at the finale…

But what I wanted to blog about was RICKI-LEE!! SHE was absolutely flipping amazing live tonight. I am yet to watch the show back, I just hope that her enrgy, vibrance and exuberance transcended through the TV screens. She is such a great person and I think one of the best idol’s in the whole 5 years of the show. I know that readers of my blog are probably sick of hearing me blabber on… but I can’t help it. I know that ‘Can’t Touch It” probably doesn’t come across as vocally stunning live, although it is a great, fun club-beat. I think ‘Love Is All Around’ display’s Ricki’s voice more vastly. She is simply divine.The DIVINE Miss R,  I am going to call her.

I was sitting beside Kyle.. and cheering so loudly for her that he eventually turned around and told me to “Shut the F*#% UP about Ricki-Lee” To which my response was .. “Ahhh No!” And he replied “Hehe, yeah she is pretty awesome, isn’t she?” Awwwwwwwwww.

Contrary to what James said tonight, the single is actually NOT available now, but goes on sale NOVEMBER 10.

Get out there and get yourself a copy, and while you do pick up her latest album “Brand New Day” It is well worth the money!!

Thanks to fans on RLF, you can view Ricki-Lee Coulter’s ‘Love is All Around’ as performed live on Idol on Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCqKA3Nqlk0 

Until next time.. peace and cookies.
J.D

1.  Matt – 20 Good Reasons.

I think this will be excellent for Matt! It’s a great song. Playing the piano is impressive.. I mean not necessarily that he can play… but it’s great to see them with their instruments on stage, they feel comfortable. WOW I am impressed so far, his trills and licks are perfect! This is a beautiful song, whether performed as a ballad or as a rock song. I was kind of waiting for it to take off a little more than it did. However this was a solid and touching effort. Well done Matt, I am glad you stepped back, listened to the judges comments and took on board what you felt was necessary. I am sure your ego was bolstered yesterday having thousands of screamers every time you spoke!! hehe… I agree with Mark, he could have looked up a little more.     8/10

(p.s last week I plugged Guy’s Umbrella… this week I want to plug Chris Sebastian’s (Guy’s little bro) duet with Tom Jordan of “20 Good Reasons” when they were both supporting acts for Guy Sebastian’s latest tour. Stay tuned to this blog, I will ask a friend to upload it during the week. I think both of these young men are up and coming stars!!)

2. Natalie – Boys In Town

I am totally and completely in love with Natalie now. She has completely won me over after seeing her live and her beautiful personality. I have said it before, she is entirely UNDER RATED in this competition and I hope that Australia wakes up and sees how GREAT she is! She is looking smokin’ tonight… I think it’s great that she is playing the piano too, and using the band!! She is such a versatile artist with an amazing voice, she can do anything, and she has complete control over her voice and performance. THAT GLORY NOTE.. this is what I was waiting for from Matt. I don’t care what Mark says or does… TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN!  From J.D!   9.9/10

Marcia is exactly on the money… Natalie is a OUTSTANDING PERFORMER!!!

 3.  Marty – These Days

I recently saw Powderfinger in concert with Silverchair. Powderfinger were simply amazing. They are brilliant talents and deserve to win many ARIA awards tonight. Let’s hope marty does them some justice. Marty is not always easily distinguishable.. however it doesn’t really matter with a song like these, I dare to say that most people are familiar with it. I guess the trouble will come when it is time for his to release his own originals. I am growing more and more to like Marty. I think this kinda flatlined a little bit, there was not much variation between verse and chorus.. I even heard the crowd kind of begin to clap as he sang the chorus the last time, but they kinda faded away quickly after noticing that he did not take off.     7/10

4. Tarisai – When It All Falls Apart

I feel for Tarisai. It’s not fair, I think she is young.. and probably a little immature, as we ALL are when we are 20. The reports recently have not been so harsh, I have a problem attacking teens on their personality when they are DEVELOPING their identity and personalities. In spite of all the rubbish that has been thrown her way from media (and previous [boring!] idol’s last week.) I think she is an amazing singer, she has amazing control and a HUGE range. She commands the stage, she gives her all… What more do we expect from young adult?

I think Kyle gave her a a very heart felt and meaningful chat.  GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR SLAP THOSE 2 OLD WANKERS ON THE END OF THE TABLE!! Give the girl a break. I am steaming FOR her. They knew she was already down about this issue… yet they bring out the term to kick her while she is down. Cowardly grumpy old bastards!

There are idol’s who have stood on that stage over the last 5 years, whom the judges have been in love an ‘ga-ga over’ who showed less emotion and feelings on stage than a broomstick. They’ve even touchdowned performances with less emotion that that!

I don’t know what they want from her, at least Kyle gave her some good advice. I don’t know if everyone is going to agree with me… but just saying “you’re fake” is piss-weak judging at best.  I would like to ask Mark and dicko to explain exactly HOW she is supposed to have shown more emotion. Perhaps next week she should walk up to the judging table and punch BOTH Mark and Dicko in the throats.. and then see what they say about her not having enough emotion.. I mean come on!!!

When I am amongst my friends, I am a little crazy! One of my nick-names is Clowny, and that is who I am when I am with them. In other circumstances, such as at my workplace and with certain crowds, I am a well spoken, mannered and professional person. There is NO WAY I would get up on stage and act like the clown that I am with my mates. In fact if I did (and also if she did…) the judges would slam me (and her) for being too weird, or maybe even too innappropriate for a musical performance in front of the nation.

I am not going to review her performance tonight, I am just going to get on the phone and vote… hard.

5. Carl – Reminiscing.

I was still ranting on about Tarisai the whole way through Carl’s performance that I had to rewind and watch again. Carl is another one who reallyu impressed me yesterday, he was so natural and genuinely appreciative of all the fans there. He is looking ‘happy’ or something tonight. He seems comfortable up there on stage. Good on him! I think Carl has huge potential and will go very far with or without the title of “Australian Idol 2007.”     8.5/10

This is a difficult one, and as they are all great in their own right. And as much as he has grown on me over the season, the only person I would like to see go tomorrow night is Marty Simpson. I think for any of the other 4 to go this week would be a Travesty. However as long as it’s not Natalie or Carl I will be able to deal with it. Especially seeing as though I am going to be there live tomorrow night. Regardless of what happens – Ricki-Lee will be performing tomorrow night, and that will make me extremely happy

Peace and cookies!
J.D

But seriously, HUGE props to Viddy for working hard all week to bring the site back again!!! How much do we love the vid-meister?? Vid works tirelessly to bring us media each week – he is a champ!!!

In other news…

The ARIA awards are on, preceeding and proceeding Idol tonight. Ricki-Lee will be performing live on the Innaugural ‘Red Carpet’ outdoor concert. Then once inside, James Mathison is guest-hosting. Damien Leith is nominated for an award.  On the whole though, I feel this is not a true representation of what Idol is doing for the Australian Music Industry. Idol is injecting new artists and fresh Australian talent into the industry each year, yet still it has multitudes of detractors. Meh… anyway, I will be watching to see the Idol influence but flicking around, channel surfing in between times.

I also heard another rumour during the week…

Source: Ricki-Lee’s Official Forum

I am not a HUGE Hilary Duff fan, but I think that Ricki-Lee is doing very well for herself, and this will give her some extra exposure in th younger teen market whom she caters for so well. I think the great thing about Ricki-Lee Babbington (nee Coulter) is the fact that she caters for such a wide range of audience. I even read a Sydney Morning Herald article suggesting reader’s choose Ricki-Lee’s recent album ‘Brand New Day’ as opposed to JLo’s most recent offering.

Quote:”If dance-pop crossed with R&B is your preferred playground you’d be better advised to skip this and go local. Ricki-Lee Coulter’s recent album ‘Brand New Day’, leaves Lopez for dust and no amount of booty shaking in the next Lopez film clip will change that.”

Ricki-Lee is an immense talent, I guess we have always known, evident in the naional outcry when she was evicted from the Idol competition earlier than expected in Idol series 2, 2004. She was after-all tipped to take out the whole competition. Ricki-Lee didn’t get what Matt fans got a couple of weeks ago, her fans didn’t get a chance at a wake-up call to vote hard. Matt fans can not rest now, thinking that he gets enough votes to do without their vote. Ricki-Lee probably would have won the competition had Chanel been evicted that night. In any case, I think she is probably doing better for herself away from Sony/BMG.  This wasn’t supposed to be a Ricki-Lee blog, but I can’t help myself. I really do think that Ricki-Lee has the whole package, I have met her a few times and she is such a nice person. She always spends lots of time with her fans and makes each one feel special and appreciated. Ricki-Lee’s smash hit “Can’t Touch It” went Aria-certified Gold, and she is about to launch the second single from ‘Brand New Day’ entitled “Love Is All Around” A feel good, breezy summer track – Due out for Release November 10th, which also happens to be Ricki-Lee’s 23rd birthday. Ricki-Lee will perform the track live for the first time on Monday night’s live Idol verdict show.

  >>>

ALSO: I just want to say that I think that JESSICA MAUBOY is a SUPERSTAR!! I always thought that Ricki-Lee was the heart and soul, the personality of the Young Divas, and I think Jess has quite nicely slotted into the position of the Divas. If I am being honest, I think Jess is almost too good for the divas, but if it takes a stint with these girls for the record companies to recognise just how talented she is, then I am all for it. I am sorry, but I don’t think that there is much in the careers of the the other three apart from the divas. It pains me to say that because I LOVED Paulini, and I was a fan of Kate DeAraugo during Idol, but I just don’t think they do themselves any favours with their personality and attitudes. I am sure there are many who disagree with me, and that is fine. Only time will tell. The divas were never meant to be a long term thing, in fact it was originally only supposed to be ONE single and a national tour… so we will see.

I went to Parramatta Westfield yesterday to see the current 5. I was deafened by teen-bopper’s screams for Matt. Also surprisingly Carl had almost equally as loud squeels from the massive audience. I think Carl is the dark-horse to win, but maybe in recent weeks his “darkness” is diminishing. I was impressed with their performances. I also enjoyed Andrew G’s little interviews with them. I think I am truly in love with Natalie.. she seems like such a lovely person in real life. Had I lined up to meet them I might have even proposed to her… LOL!
But seriously, I think they all did a great job yesterday and spent lots of time with fans. Marty also came across as a very genuine and down-to-earth bloke too. they revealed their cong choices for this week. I remember that Matt is playing the Piano and Marty will have his guitar. Matt is singing “20 Good Reasons (Thirsty Merc),” Tarisai is singing “When It All Falls Apart (Veronicas),” Natalie is singing something from the Divinyls (I can’t remember which), and Marty is singing Powderfinger’s “These Days”. I am sorry, but I can’t remember if/ or what Carl said he was singing.

I am going to the Live Verdict show on Monday. So hopefully I will some other insider-gossip tid-bits for you!!

Looking forward to tonight’s show and bringing you my next review.

Peace and Cookies!
J.D

After the train wreck that was last week – I think the idol’s REALLY need to use tonight’s choices to redeem themselves. And that pretty much goes for all the idol’s – not that last week was their fault. But you know …

1. Tarisai – Judges Choice –Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe (Marcia) GREAT choice for T. She came out with a powerful start. I don’t care what anyone says, this girl has all the potential to be an international superstar. She commands the stage, and has the most powerful vocal I think Australian Idol has ever seen. 9/10 – If Tarisai isn’t in the final 2 at the Opera House, I will be bitterly disappointed, and it won’t be fair to her.

2. Marty – Judges Choice – No Woman No Cry (Marcia) This is a great choice for Marty, have been looking forward to hearing this. I think the sing really suits his style, phrasing and intonations. He is looking a little awkward up there again. I can’t say that this was his best performance, although it was fairly enjoyable. 6/10

3. Daniel – Judges Choice –Fragile (Mark) I think I am glad he chose the sting version. He was really good tonight. His voice was strong, even though he wasn’t singing strongly… if you get me. He was stronger than the music.. I liked the fact that he started and stayed behind the mike. Because I think he tends to wander aimlessly around the stage. Great performance, I give that 8/10 – which I think might be the highest score I have given Daniel. That is the most I have ever enjoyed a performance from Daniel.

4. Carl – Judges Choice – It’s Not Unusual (Dicko) Interesting choice for Carl. WOAH!! That was an awesome start, good on you Carl, adding a little spark to the performance with some humour! Carls has shown the most growth over this season. I don’t know if it’s just me – but the one min 30 seems very short. Perhaps they moved into 2 songs per person a little early this season. Regardless, that was a FANTASTIC performance. 9/10 As much as I loved it, I don’t know that it was a TD. But I am still really pleased for Carl. Marcia must be so glad, she saw something in Carl and her faith has proved itself.

5. Matt – Judges Choice – Music Of The Night (Mark) I already know that this is going to be a TD. It is an amazing song, and deserves a TD before even Matt begins. Matt is showing a real depth and talent with this that I think we have never seen. I know mark said he would probably never sing it again… I think he should choose more like this. That was an awesome performance, great vocals and I think that was Matt’s REAL first TD. 9.5/10 I absolutely disagree with Dicko, the song showed exactly what Mark said, but more than inner strength and courage, it showed a new range that he hasn’t shown before. AND good on you, Matt, Dicko is giving you mixed messages.

6. Natalie – Judges Choice – Nothing Compares To You (Marcia) She should be able to do this song justice. Firstly can I just say WHAT THE? The dress is absolutely lovely, and would be perfect…by itself. Those pants are a little tragic. In any case, I keep saying – Natalie is an AMAZING talent, she deserves more recognition that she gets, and she performed this song beautifully. I can just tell that either Kyle or Dicko is gunna rip her to shreds for her fashion though. I hope people don’t focus on that and listen to her voice. I have to admit that it took my focus of her performance. 8/10 I am surprised that all they had to say was about her backside. Maybe it was just me who didn’t like the look. Natalie always dresses a little quirky, normally I like it – I didn’t like it tonight. GREAT performance, however.

7. Tarisai – I Believe In You And Me This will be a good song for her, but let’s face it – what would be a bad choice for her? She looks smashing! Tarisai has amazing control and I just keep repeating myself, I know. But I REALLY like her. This wasn’t her best performance, but I really did enjoy it. 8.5/10

8. Marty – Last Kiss Ok – I didn’t type during this performance, I was mesmerised. That was Marty’s BEST ever. I really enjoyed that performance; I would even pay for that track. I am pleasantly surprised. 8.5/10 (That was a complete LOW blow from Dicko about keeping the emotion story secret, there was absolutely NO NEED for Dicko to say that!! Grrrr)

9. Daniel – From The Sea. I LOVE Eskimo Joe, and I love this track, I just hope he doesn’t kill it for me. As much as I like Daniel, he doesn’t always do these powerful rock songs justice. I don’t mind if everyone disagrees with me, but he hair in the face is too girly for me! I wish he would get a haircut: p While I think that was a solid performance, he still doesn’t lift the roof off. I am sorry to say, but he is my choice to leave tonight. 6/10

10. Carl – Jealous GuyI love what Carl has done tonight. He has shown us other aspects of his personality, versatility and talent. I really “felt” this song, he performed it brilliantly. I think I expect a Tarisai / Matt final 2 at the moment, but Carl (and Natalie) are the dark horses who could sneak up in there. 8.5/10 (Dicko picked up on my sentiments earlier regarding Marcia’s faith in Carl =))

11. Matt – Transatlanticism. I guess I will probably be told off for saying this (again) but I have never heard of this song. I have never enjoyed Matt’s fashion – but I know all the little emo-wannabe’s tenny-boppers like his fashion, so I am not going to say anything more on the matter, but I have to say that up until last week Matt has been lower in my mind than Ben. But I think Matt really proved himself to me tonight. He has a lot of potential. 7.5/10 (I am glad the judges haven’t heard of the song either)

12. Natalie – Umbrella. I recently saw Guy Sebastian perform this song.. and I know that sound weird, but it was great. (If anyone knows a free/easy program to convert MOD files into files that youtube will accept, please let me know and I will show you what Guy did with it). Anyway, I kind of like Rihanna, but at the same time she annoys me, and I can’t exactly say why. BUT… I think what Natalie did with it was absolutely exquisite, turned it into more of a ballad (As GUY did) and it was amazing – her best performance of the season!!! 9.5/10 (I am GLAD the crowd forced the TD out of Mark, I don’t think he would have done it otherwise. As I say, once again – she is under rated, I don’t know why… but she is.) WELL DONE Natalie, you are amazing.

EDIT: I found other people’s uploads of Guy’s concerts: You can check out Guy’s “Umbrella” below:

Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=3VCWyF7YbkM

This was a fantastic night; it just proves how song choice makes ALL the difference.

Until next time..
Peace and Cookies!
J.d.

+ PLUS – I wan’t to see him do ‘No Woman No Cry’ which is the judges choice for him this week. I am feeling sorry for Marty, I blame dicko. As much as Marty initially annoyed me, he did grow on me – I am kind of enjoying him. I don’t think he REALLY wanted to go home.. but what was he to say when Dicko told Australia not to vote for him, I think he was saving face. 

The media and ‘forum’ers are now turning against Ben because he ‘appears’ to be happy to leave the show and continue his film career. I think that is being too harsh on the boy, what do you want him to say? At least he hasn’t got sour grapes and feeding conspiracy theories about voting mis-calculations. I think he is taking it well, and looking at the bright side =)

ALSO: Marcia should definitely NOT quit idol at the end of this year, if anyone is to go – it should be Mark!

WHAT a controversial week it has been for Idol.

p.s I know that I have been promising a blog on the judges, and in particular Dicko and Mark’s comments towards Ben, but I think I am going to move past it! I think it is WAY too overly dramatic to call for boycott’s etc on the show because Marty is still a contestant. There are greater travesty’s that are far more improtant, for example the fact that MARK is still a judge on the show after his extremely idiotic comments and actions this year.

’nuff said…

Until next time..
peace and cookies
j.d 

If I had my way now, Matt would go…. but I fear the opposite is about to happen!

p.s don’t forget about my weekly blog review of the show. Final 7 – Year You Were Born – Click here.

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1. Ben – Higher Ground
Good choice for him, I sympathise with what he said about finding familiarity with the song. It just seemed to overwhelm him a little. This is very disappointing for Ben. He looked really worried and not confident with himself tonight. Sadly I think this is a little a step backwards for Ben. However I feel that the comments were quite harsh, I reckon I would have a real struggle finding a song that I could connect with from the early80’s (which would be my case) so why would it be any easier for Ben. GO MARCIA!! I have been meaning to make a post about how harsh the judges have been against Ben for a number of weeks now. I will post a little later this week (hopefully) I would be interested to hear your opinions. For tonight 6/10 for Ben. 6 would be a good score for other idols, though it wasn’t Ben’s best. I don’t blame him though.

2. Marty – Now We’re Getting Somewhere
I have kind of lost a little respect for Marty since last week when he agree’d with Dicko that he shouldn’t be in the competition. There are tens of thousands of perfectly fine singers that would kill to be in his position. Apart from this: I think he did a great job tonight. His phrasing was great, pitch was fairly consistent and it was a comfortable performance. I can’t give him more than 6/10 though. Mark obviously thinks he can toss around the sh*t word in response to Marcia. I am not such a prude, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Marcia was feeling great emotion, Mark was just taking a pot-shot.

3. Natalie – Endless Love
Natalie received a LOT of negative press about her song last week (which, if anyone cares… I LOVED) She is probably the most underrated idol this year, I reckon. This song is a bit daggy but I am sure she will make it sound fine. I think Natalie has an exquisite voice, she seems like a lovely person as well. Once again I disagree with the judges, how is a young girl possibly supposed to sing a torch song. 6/10
I am not happy about the judges tonight. They seem to be attacking each other (I am talking basically only about Mark) but he is spoiling the whole night. Natalie was visibly upset at the end of that roasting.. They are taking this too far. It’s a crappy theme, it always has been – Idol producers listen up, drop the theme in the grave and NEVER resurrect it again. It’s not fair to the idols at all. I am not the type of person that dislikes the fact that idol makes the contestants sing a range of songs from a number of genres, but “The Year You Were Born” is far too limiting in my honest opinion.

4. Carl – Turn Your Love Around
Carl is a brilliant talent. I am looking forward to him doing something a little different tonight. I am not entirely sure what to say about this performance. I don’t know if I like it or not. It’s not tragic, it’s just not brilliant. He seems fairly comfortable on the stage though, and that is great for him.
Is it just me, or is this whole night turning into a bit of a 6/10 show all round? I don’t think I am wrong in saying that tonight’s theme helps no one.
I agree with Dicko and Marcia though, so far Carl has come off probably the best in this theme. I give him 6.5/10 =)

5. Matt – Another Day In Paradise.
OK WOW. Matt has been in my Top 4 from the start of the competition. But if I had to rank my top 4, he would be #4. I also think that praise and recognition has come a little too easily for him in the past. This is a terrific, thoughtful, measure performance. Very impressive, very mature for a boy of 16. I am not sure if this is an arrangement that he has taken from somewhere, or he worked it out himself, but it is lovely. I am waiting for it to lift off though… taking a little too long. OK – so it ended without taking off, that was a little disappointing. I expected more. 6/10
WHY are he judges ripping these kids down for either showing NOT enough of who they want to be, or showing it too much? I think these judges have a good crop this year and are just clutching at straws to find something controversial to say in order to cultivate ratings. I’m over Dicko and mark almost completely. I want to see Mark evicted from the judges table, and Dicko better watch out, he is close to being redundant too…

6.Tarisai – I Knew You Were Waiting For Me

Tarisai is looking FANTASTIC tonight, her hair looks great. I can’t help it.. I think I am in love with T. Especially in comparison to the other mediocre performances tonight, this is excellent. She is a powerhouse and can sing the roof off. I don’t agree with Dicko – she doesn’t need 2 years, she is all that and more right now. – Kyle hit the nail on the head.
While it wasn’t a TD performance, After the last few attempts… I would give this a TD. 7.5/10 I am offended at Mark’s comment. Good on the other judges, the Spirit aint gunna visit Mark now is he?? bah!! ignore him T, YOU are amazing!!

7. Daniel – Billie Jean
I am worried that this is going to overwhelm him once again. Great start though, measured and careful. MJ is an amazing performer I am trying to “forget” the MJ concerts that I have seen in the past. The handshake is sooooo annoying, I know that it shouldn’t matter so much, But it just does for me. He is really playingthe part – I am starting to think though that Daniel’s vocal just isn’t as strong as i have thought it was. Because every week I seem to be disappointed with him, even when he puts ona decent performance such as tonight. I don;t know why – but my bar is held higher for Daniel. I think that is just based on his audition though. probably not fair to him. Another 6/10

Well tonight was a terrible theme.
IMO Tarisai and Carl were easily the top 2 performances.
If I had my way – the bottom three would be Daniel, Marty and… oh I don’t know who else, I guess either Matt, Nat or Ben. I don’t want any of the last 3 to leave though. If it is a final 2 of Marty and Daniel to leave… I would say goodbye to Daniel!!

Until next week, peace and cookies!
j.d