And so let us return to the beginning of another live show. And I promise, that’s the last time I open with that excruciating pun, but I had to do it once — and now it’s out of my system I won’t be tempted to do it again. Unlike Graham Norton, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the joke about the red button — didn’t work last week, still doesn’t work this week. Any scenario where Norton is set up as the straight man is wrong on so many levels.
But on to the performances, and after the introductory group number we’re told that this week, the emphasis will be on acting. Only, this being a music show, the only acting the boys are going to be allowed to do is through their singing performance.
First up is Daniel, who I tipped last week as a potential winner — and oh dear. Since You’ve Been Gone is pretty much all shouting past the opening lines, and that doesn’t really work for Daniel’s voice. I swear he sounds flat much of the time. And his exuberant acting style (in which he Emotes with a capital E), which would work well on stage, just looks overblown in a TV environment where the cameras can get up close. However, the judges in the studio loved it. Craig’s rendition of I Want To Go Home shows how it’s relatively easier for the acting side of a song to come through when performing a ballad. The judges are split: Denise and John feel that he needs to do more, but Bill and Zoe are effusive.
Next up, Keith sings Who Am I?, and the performance side of the song really works. However, vocally John says his diction is terrible, while Zoe says he’s singing in his nose. Seamus, given possibly my favourite MT song ever in Sondheim’s Being Alive from Company, was always going to have trouble convincing me that his version was sufficient: he falls far short. While he’s hitting all the notes, and his phrasing is good, the performance side — the bit we’re supposed to be concentrating on this week — feels flat. And oh, Seamus! When the judges are talking, don’t keep up with the backchat. It rarely endears you to the audience and makes it all the harder for people to believe your talk about selective editing.
Fifth to perform is Ben, who was saved by ALW after being in the bottom two last week. He’s given All By Myself to perform, which as a song of extremes should enable him to show his acting chops. Unfortunately, it’s his voice that stands out, and for all the wrong reasons. As the judges pick up, it’s flat in a number of places and just doesn’t work.
Next up is Johndeep, and again we’re reminded that he’s an ‘Office Administrator’ whose parents have never heard him sing before. And here we get the ultimate irony of this competition — while Johndeep may work in an office, he’s also got his own entry in the Spotlight Actors’ Directory (as do ‘cement administrator’ Daniel and actor Lee). While ventures like this get criticism from the industry for favouring amateur performers over professionals, if those who have already had a small degree of success were more honest about it, maybe such criticism would die down a bit. Anyway, rant over, and on to the song — Something’s Coming from West Side Story. Oh dear. A complete misread of the song, which the judges pick up on. Meanwhile, Chris Barton wins them all over with a version of I’ll Be There, which Zoe reckons was smooth like chocolate, and Andrew says delivered both love and passion.
Eighth up is Rob, and for me his delivery of Piano Man is as much of a misread as Johndeep’s. No acting to speak of, just a lot of cheeky grins to camera. Most of the judges love it, but Andrew Lloyd Webber points out that the lyrics of the song are sung by two characters — and there was precious little of either, in my view. Then Antony, delivering Light My Fire with the same Jose Feliciano-style arrangement that served Will Young so well in the first series of Pop Idol. Vocally it’s a great performance and the studio audience are lapping it up, but as soon as he approaches either of the girl dancers, he looks lost — no firelighting going on there. Denise tries to make the same point, but manages to make his stiffness sound absolutely filthy. Bill says that he could be Joseph, as long he remembers to embrace the audience, and Andrew thinks he was terrific.
The final pair are up — Lewis copes well with Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word; he struggles a bit with the falsetto lines, but who wouldn’t? Generally positive comments from the judges, although Zoe has a few pointers vocally for him (like not breathing in the middle of words). Lee provides the final solo performance of the evening, and immediately proves how well his acting experience has paid off — a finely controlled performance of Bad Day which overcomes the difficulties of a horrible song to sing with passion and restraint. There couldn’t be a bigger contrast with his nearest professional rival, Daniel’s raucous opening number.
In the second show, there’s another group rendition: this time, of Pinball Wizard from Tommy. Antony and Keith impressed me the least here, but with lines closing shortly, will any of the actors’ performances here matter to the final vote?
After a brief detour to McFly territory (the least said about which the better), the judges predict who should go this week. Zoe and Denise both predict Ben, while both Bill and John suggest Johndeep should go. As the results come in, it’s Chris and Johndeep in the sing-off — a duet of Let It Be. And while Chris may have scored the lowest phone votes, he walks the song. By contrast, Johndeep is nervous, occasionally off-key and seems to be singing some of Chris’ solo parts at times.
When it comes to the decision, Andrew says he has to bear in mind who could really be Joseph, but has a difficult choice, because he believes both should be staying. In the end, Johndeep is sent home; unlike Chris C last week, he struggles with his final Close Every Door. Never mind, Johndeep: according to your Spotlight CV, you have a solo song on a gospel album coming out later this month, so not every door is closing…
How on earth did Chris end up with the lowest phone votes? Man we're dumb.
I enjoy your blog and agree with most of your comments, but please remember that the songs are chosen FOR them, not BY them. I actually thought Daniel did a great job with a particularly weird choice of song. Also feel that Johndeep was at a little bit of a disadvantage with the song he was given. Personally I thought Ben was the weakest. He may have a good look, and endearing personality, but he just can't hack it vocally. To perform eight shows a week needs a consistent, well grounded technique which I don't think he has. Well done to them all though for getting up there and giving it a go.
Lewis rocks got the full package closly followed by Lee.
It is not being portraited as accuratley as it should be all of these boys have had drama or musical theatre training but some are now working in other jobs .Chris C was a Sylvia Young pupil and Daniel has extensive training and stage experience so I think this should be portraited honestly.As you say JOHNDEEP has asolo spot on an albuln coming out. I do not beleive that his family were unaware of his musical training!!
I'd just like to point out that the Josephs don't get to choose their songs - they have no choice, and daniel was given a rotten one. Why would you give that song to someone to sing when its just a load of shouting??? And the clicktrack and orchestra messed up big time, so all in all I think he coped admirably. Hopefully next week his song will be like everyone elses and an actual SONG instead of that shouting.
I agree that Daniel's song was a strange choice but I still think his voice saved it, I also think there is no point in criticising Daniel's acting performance when it is indeed a stage he will be performing on if he wins.
Daniel's only possible rival is Lee, but I do believe he is overhyped purely because of his background. Daniel's proffessionality shines and he deserves the role
I think Chris B was fantastic last night and the best performance of anyone! How he came to be in the bottom two beats me! The general public at large voting for who is cute rather than talent!!!. I also thought Lee and Lewis were fab too and for me those three are the front runners at the moment. I really think they should make them all sing more musical theater songs as the two that did were awful and hadn't got a clue how to deliver them!!!
i agree with cazza's comments.
chris b's song and performance was amazing compared to some of the other boys.
but i was so shocked he was in the sing off! In the duet 'Let it be' im so glad chris was able to carry on perfectly even with johndeep messing up the words.
I think although the shows producers seem to be playing down the fact that almost all of the boys have had professional training, it is something on a show like this that is unavoidable i think.
those without the training wouldnt hold thier own on the west end or have the strength to do 8 shows p/w.
and all those with out the training im sure will have been the ones who will have been kicked of before the joseph school.
come on chris b keep up the good work!
and good luck
Lee Mead is still the stronger contender.
Daniel may well have a good voice but in my opinion he dosent look like a Joseph. Thats not sayhing I want a typical boy band blonde, we have had all that for years.
Lee sings and acts his socks off and is totally believeable.He should be Joseph.
Keith would be an ideal Benjamin.
It has to be Lee, he's definitely the best and I find my eyes riveted to him on stage. I thought that this week was humdrum until Lewis and Lee who were both excellent but Lee is head and shoulders above them all - and what's wrong with having someone more experienced in a West End Show? They need to be able to survive all the performances each week. What would be excellent would be if the other 11 were cast as Joseph's brothers.
I really do not get the fascination with Chris B. I felt in his performance that he was literally almost shouting at the dancer he was paired with at one point ...I don' think he interpreted the song right at all. There were better performances that night IMO, Lee for example and he isn't even my favorite. I like Linda's idea of the reamaining Josephs being cast as the brothers...but would it create some jealousy?? That would not make for a harmonius cast....
I met Chris Barton on holiday in Gran Caneria in August 2004 and pretty much spent the whole week with him, his mate and my mate. He is such a sound lad who had dreams of doing exactly this.
It was great to turn the tv on a few weeks ago and see that he has managed to achieve exactly what he had dreamed of - I had no doubt he could do it.
Chris - I hope and I am sure you can win this show. You are perfect for the role and it shows. This really could not happen to a more deserving person.
Don't worry about being in the bottom two. Viewers forget the best are not always safe. This will now only make people vote for you more.
Best wishes fella and good luck.
(Thanks for the laughs in G.C.)
Yeh in response to earlier tags.
Funny, Johndeep.....mmmmm, seem to remember he has done lots of things....and he has a UK Casting Call Pro profile.
Now lets see...5 concerts with The Royal Academy Of Music...Several Stage Shows..Television,...Semi Finalist of BBC's Voice Of Musical Theatre 2006.. and much more, and your parents/friends dont know you do this sort of thing Johndeep?!!!!
Did they not know about the Voice Of Musical Theatre, after all, you were in the FINAL!
Well, either he doesnt live at home, or been a naughty schoolboy and told them he is elsewhere. But no reason to pretend that you havent done anything Johndeep, cus anyone with half a brain, myself included, would realise/recognise you.....(I entered Any Dream Will Do, and recognised you from BBC Voice of Musical Theatre, as I had entered that too!). Perhaps thats why you got voted off this week!
Personally, I agree that Lee Mead is no doubt the obvious winner for the following reasons...
WEST END EXPERIENCE so no issues in the stamina side of things
STAGE PRESENCE/ACTING in this weeks show, he was the only one who convinced he was acting, and not over acting like John Deep (oh I cringed)
The majority of others are too "young" looking for the role. Now pardon me if I am wrong, but having loved Joseph since the age of 8 (im 32 now), and having wanted the part (yes I did audition, but didnt get thru to TV stages), Joseph is a 17 yr old at the start. When the brothers come to egypt at the end, Joseph is in his 30's....
Anthony, Ben, Chris and Keith.....you look 17, but cant see you as a 30 year old with all the make up in the world....
Other reasons that the others are not right for the role of Joseph:
Seamus is just arrogant and if he wants a career in theatre, or any job for that matter, needs to chill out. His rendition of Being Alive, made me wanna do the opposite...he does look 30 tho, so cant see him as a 17 year old...Rob, great guy, but again, too old looking....Lewis has the look, so possibly a Joseph......Craig cannot act, but can sing.....Loved Daniel till this week, shouted the song, but maybe a Joseph...and finally Chris B......FALSE TEETH!?!!!!!!! (far too white!!!)
I hate to say it, but the british love the underdog.....I therefore think that this year, the public will choose the WRONG person....after all, this is not a talent find...its a voting competition.....if it was down to talent, Ben would have gone out this week and seveal boys would not be in the show at all...
Still....ANY DREAM WILL DO?!!!!
AND JOHNDEEP...
Its states that "he only started singing 2 years ago....cus his friend overheard him and suggested going to school etc"...
So....2001, 2002 you appeared in shows in the West End, and several other pieces.....
Once again, people who tell porkies get found out in the end!
Loving the show!
Cannot believe that about Johndeep, did seem a bit strange though that he was saying he hoped his parents would approve and they were crying like troopers! No idea how he thought he'd get away with it!
Favourite to win, in my opinion, Daniel, definately, if they give him realistic songs, not shouting ones written for WOMEN!!! Hes very charming and likeable which i think is important! Amazing vocals and belivable acting! Literally melted after show one!
Lee, obviously, very fanciable, great stage presence, nice voice, very good acting.... very jealous of his 'josephine'!
I think Lewis could do it, hes very happy go lucky with a very good voice, Ben and Anthony are very similar to eachother and Ben seems to be onto a loser as people seem to prefer Anthony.
Seamus is incredibly arrogant and that will be his downfall, John Barrowman clearly doesn't like him for it, he needs to learn a bit of modesty!
Love the group performances, think the end after one has been voted off is a bit unnessasary...very cringe worthy and harsh! I thought the Maria one was bad but this is ten times worse!
Great respect for all the judges, i think they know what they are looking for and express their comments considerably but fairly!
Can't wait to see the show with whoever wins! x
While I was not surprised to see Johndeep leave, I was surprised that Chris B received the fewest votes. However, given that the role requires the actor to play both a teenager and a man, I am not sure that he (or Antony, Keith or Lewis for that matter) could do the part justice.
I do think that Ben, while not as strong vocally as some of the others, does have that ability. For me, Seamus is too old (as is Rob) and Lee and Craig are too polished. That leaves Daniel who would be good, if not great.
Thanks for all your comments. I've moved those that apply to week 5 onto the relevant week's recap.
After watching last night and seeing 2 get the bullet, I could have happily binned 6, given the chance! As for choosing songs, they have been given 2 songs to choose from, as I know that Craig was given Mustang Sally and Try a Little Tenderness in the first week proper. I'm glad others are picking up on the out of tune situations. If you can't sing in tune, forget it! As for acting, the world is full of actors who can't act so that might not be such a problem although it will require some seriously hard work in rehearsals for the show.
What do you think happened last night when they only showed some the guys doing their thing in front of their Mothers. As they all messed up, can we assume that they rest of them could cut it?
Is it just me or is Craig almost invisible? I don't notice him being featured as prominently as most of the others and he is always hidden at the back.
I thought it was a bit naughty with the profiles last night when they only showed half of them and only half of the phone numbers came up, giving they ones on first a healthy start on the rest. A level playing field would help. BBC please take note!
The difficulty here is that the guys have to decide whether to play to the audience, as they would in a theatre, or play to the TV audience, who are the ones that will keep them in the show.
I'm looking for Craig to big up his performance next Saturday. He needs to project his voice more and sell the story in the song.
They may be looking for a Justin Timberlake, but I'm damned sure they want him to sound like Michael Ball!
WOW, what a show this week. I feel so much for the guys I mean 2 eliminations. I personally feel Ben is having it worse then anyone, everyshow so far he has been in the last 3, or 2.
As fo the show: great opening, really gripping. Songs... thought the guys all upped themselves this week, surely someone must of picked up on anthony struggling with his song earlier in the week... Thought Rob was good, although not sure if he will do for the part as he does not have the experience. Lee, good as always, although there is somethign about him im unsure of... cant put my finger on it. Chris B, thought he did well after last week. Ben, performance of the night for me, after all the pressure to then put a performance in like he did was great, as for his sing off with Seamus... well think his vocals and ALW keeping him in says all that. Daniel, yet again a strong performance can see him and Lee in the final 4 for sure. Lewis... bit camp at times for me. more a pop idol not Joseph. Craig, im sorry but all i see is Cruise Boat singer..... Kieth, think he is a brother not a Joseph as he seems to too cheeky.
I was not at all impressed with the undignified way in which Seamus chose to exit the Any Dream Will Do contest. His arrogance, which until now had escaped me, was uncalled for and disgraceful. There was nothing conspiratorial about him being removed from the running. Also, who gave him the right to alter the words of Close Every Door to Me? Talk about burning bridges. I will certainly never consider him for anything I produce in the future. He should learn that auditioning is not about conspiracy at all, but rather about whom the producers think will be right for the part they are auditioning for. As for the public choosing their Joseph in this particular contest, it is quite clear that we have very little say in the matter. Andrew knows who he wants for this part and will continue to save that actor time and again to secure the part for his personal favourite. I have no qualms with this - I just don't vote. Having said that; I enjoy the show and will probably enjoy it more so now that Seamus has been cast aside. In my opinion, I believe that Lee will win.
The Producer
Well, well, this is interesting. So Seamus has been berated for being arrogant (since when has being self-assured, or even a bit cocky, been a hindrance in showbusiness?) and for mentioning the word "conspiracy theory". In the same breath, Robert states something that was clear to most educated viewers from the start, namely that 'The Lord' has the final say in the matter, knows exactly whom he wants and, because of his ability to salvage one of the two who come out with the fewest votes (strange how we don't get to know how many those are, or the margin) he can have exactly the person he has set his sights on. In the process, of course, and through well-rehearsed comments from the panel, the public opinion is being subtly swayed, so that in the end the whole hoax won't be (too) apparent. Especially not to fawning 13 -year olds who can't spell...
Shows like these are a disgusting farce and I can only hope that, ultimately, talent will triumph. And, anyway, we know there's no such thing as bad publicity! So we might very well not have seen the last of Seamus yet, even if 'The Producer' won't hire him.
Birgitta,
You say: "because of his ability to salvage one of the two who come out with the fewest votes... he can have exactly the person he has set his sights on."
Except, as we've seen with Maria, it doesn't work like that. ALW saved Helena frequently when she was in the bottom two, but although she made it through to the final, the public vote ultimately chose Connie.
I certainly don't think the elimination process could in any way be described as a 'hoax', unless you have concrete evidence to suggest otherwise.
Scott,
I take your point. What I wanted to highlight were the paradoxical statements in Robert's mail, accusing Seamus of mentioning the word conspiracy, and then acknowledging that ALW knows whom he wants from the word Go. The public might have the (very) last say, but their opinion will have been influenced along the way by the comments made and in those there is definite favouritism. If that doesn't make a show a hoax I don't know what is. And why don't we get to hear about the number of votes? Seamus could have been last by 1, 100 or 1000 votes. Also it wasn't clear whether the votes were rolled over from the first part of the show or whether one would have had to spend another fortune on voting again during the break.
Daniel should have won, but hes done so much since he came out
its totally paid off for him, i agree with Will Breckin, daniels voice
was amazing