Hard to believe we’re finally here. A week later than anticipated, but in a couple of hours we’ll have a new West End leading man. Or should that be Lee-ding man, if the bookies are to be believed?
We start with all twelve finalists, reunited for Go Go Go Joseph. Ah, Chris Crosby, you were gone too soon. Ah, Anthony, still holding in your stomach, I see. Ah, Daniel, your fans are quite mad, you know. Good taste, mind, but quite, quite mad…
And with the chandelier dropping as heavily as one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s botched punchlines, it’s on with the show. Actually, you’ve got to hand it to ALW, his Blofeld impression may be complete rubbish, but he’s really entered into the spirit of Saturday night television. But tonight isn’t about him, it’s about three young singer/actors who are about to embark upon the next stage of their careers. One of them will be at the Adelphi in a few weeks, but I’m sure that we’ll see more of the others, too.
First up is Lewis, with his version of Kiss. But I’m sorry, ‘the Tom Jones song’? How about the ‘Art of Noise cover of a Prince classic with vocals from Tom Jones’? Quibbles aside, if Lewis had delivered this sort of performance throughout the run, he wouldn’t have found himself in the sing-off three times. Out of nowhere, it seems, he’s worked out how to bring both the studio and television audiences along with him, and introduces enough choreography that shows he can sing and dance at the same time without overpowering the vocal. It’s like turning eighteen made him a man.
John: “Showman, Showman, Showman… I’m sorry you saved it to the last show.”
Bill: “More than anything, you’re a winner.”
Andrew: “The cry-baby fried us, baby, tonight. You’ve made the best journey of anybody in this programme.”
Second is Keith, singing Stevie Wonder’s For Once In My Life. Unfortunately, it seems to be in slightly the wrong key for him, with several of the notes in the verses dropping to the limits of his bottom register — and when that happens, his instinct is to drop his chin down. The rest of the time, though, his vocal is as good as it has been through most of the competition. Unfortunately, camera angles don’t show whether he’s cured his odd standing posture. He looks, to me, like he’s still leaning too far backwards.
Zoe: “When I hear you now, it knocks me for six… Scotland’s loss is the West End’s gain.”
Denise: “You sing fantastically every week… from superstore to superstar.”
Andrew: “You really can sing wonderfully, and you’ll have a career whatever happens tonight.”
And now we have Lee. To all those who complained that Lee shouldn’t be here because he’s a professional — wake up. What did you think a West End actor should be? It’s an open audition that may have enabled an amateur to turn professional, but the key is whether someone can do the job. Anyway, here he’s singing The Devil in Disguise, which is a very good performance. But is it a great one? There’s something missing for me, I’m afraid — although I know that the sound levels in the studio are far from ideal (and have been throughout the series), Lee is the first one to sing slightly off-key as a result, going sharp in a few places. The choreography is simple — just walking around, really. To be honest, I expected Lee to blow me away, but Lewis impressed me far more tonight.
John: “You’re a lead in disguise… I forgave you the tuning issues, but the audience loved watching you.”
Zoe: “These boys are on their last dregs of energy… I’ve been tough on you…”
Bill: “This boy is a great interpreter of songs…”
Denise: “…And he’s sexy.”
Andrew: “What happened on the stairs [the sharp note]?… It was terrific.”
Can I just say, by the way, that I do write my notes as the performances are going on? I’ve had a couple of emails throughout this that ‘suggested’ (a polite way of putting it) that I just borrow what the judges say. If that were true, I’d be repeating everything three times while jumping up and down (John), coming up with cheesy catchphrases (Denise), finding something to sit on the fence about (Bill) with a vehement Brummie accent (Zoe)… Nope, it’s all me. Even when I found out that all the Josephs read my reviews, I just carried on regardless. I’ve enjoyed it, though, and I hope you have too.
For his second solo spot of the evening, Lewis sings Beyond The Sea. And for all Bill’s repetition that Lee is a great interpreter of a song, some of it’s clearly rubbed off here. A great big band swing number, and there’s a tremendous confidence there.
Zoe: “Vocally, you’ve picked yourself up… last week you were stunning, and you’re breaking my heart tonight.”
Bill: “You’ve matured and matured and matured… I hope the idiots who bullied you in school are feeling like that right now.” (Hear, hear!)
Andrew: “You’ve come through magnificently… you took that song with a maturity I would not have even dreamt of at the beginning of this programme.”
Next up, Keith performs Moondance, which has become a big band standard since Michael Bublé first covered it. And vocally, I think he’s stronger than Lewis in this style as in so many others — but yet again, I find myself easily distracted when watching him on stage. This is one performer where as little choreography as possible works to his benefit; is that really what the West End needs?
Denise: “Hot, hot, hot! You sing well, and you move great.”
John: “Joseph doesn’t really dance around this much, he just sings ballads, and you are the best singer of ballads.” (Are we finding just a Joseph, or an overall West End star? This is the question that the BBC always struggled with)
Andrew: “You’ve got this incredible voice, but you’re not necessarily a natural dancer.”
The final big band number comes from Lee, with New York, New York — and another song that starts too low for his voice. Once it reaches a more comfortable register, though, his acting chops really come through. From a poor start, he quickly recovers to deliver a barnstorming number that defines the term “showstopper”.
Bill: “I know what you’ve given up to take on this competition… I should have seen back then, what everybody else has seen for the last eight weeks. You are not an understudy, you are a star.”
Zoe: “That was an amazing performance. There couldn’t have been a finer song to show off your fine, fine voice.”
John: “Frank and Liza, move over for Lee!”
Andrew: “You’re a fantastic performer… a great showman.”
So with two songs each, the lines are about to freeze, but first we have a group performance of West Side Story’s Maria. Lee gets the choicest lines, but deserves them: Lewis keeps up, but Keith shows his inexperience, coming a poor third by comparison.
As the lines are frozen and the votes counted, last year’s How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? winner, Connie Fisher, turns up live in the studio (I hope the Palladium audience is happy with Aoife in her place). At this point, she was in Lee’s position — clear favourite with two good performers nipping at her heels. Will the same happen this time? As the results come in, Lee is through. In third place, and out now in the first programme of the evening, is Lewis. Personally, I think that wasn’t the right decision — but now, between Lee and Keith, it’s imperative that Lee wins.
As Lewis hands his coat back, I look forward to whatever he does next. Something tells me it won’t be too long before he’s a major star.
In the second show, Keith and Lee have to give an encore performance of what they thought was their best performance of the series.
Keith goes with Always On My Mind from week 7. It certainly appeals to strengths — an evocative ballad with little to no movement on stage. BUt how on earth can he compete with Lee, who reprises Paint it Black from week 8. Lee’s performance not only showcases his acting ability, but it’s the epitome of the perfect song for the series — a pop song known to the non-musical-savvy section of the audience, but carried with all the weight and conviction that only a true musical theatre performer can deliver.
The ten eliminated Josephs reunite for The Boys Are Back In Town, and each shows how much better they can be when the pressure of competing isn’t weighing on their shoulders. I genuinely have missed some of them. Although in just a couple of weeks, Craig seems to have put on a fair bit of weight… Andrew fluffs a joke aimed at ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent (and very good it is too), currently playing on the other channel, while introducing the remaining finalists’ duet of Jesus Christ Superstar. Keith takes the lead, and you really can see that sparkle in his eyes come and go. At times, he’s 100% engaging, but it switches off in an instant. Would it, I wonder, be that visible to a stage audience? The judges have picked up on it in previous weeks, so I’d guess so. Lee kicks into high gear with his portion of the song. It really is an acted performance, rather than a sung performance with moves. Can there really be any doubt at this stage who deserves to win? Graham turns to Andrew, who refuses to be drawn on who is better. Wimp(!)
After a great VT recap of the last eight weeks of live shows (sniff!), we come to the result. And Lee, deservedly, gets the crown. As I said before, it’s not about him having been a professional before he started — if anything, that made it a greater risk for him to even embark on this most peculiar of audition processes. I don’t think it’s any secret that my particular favourite went out a few weeks ago, but the look on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s face says it all for everybody — it was a great choice, and Lee Mead, like Connie before him, will doubtless be a West End fixture for years to come. And as we end with the show’s first live rendition of Any Dream Will Do — ironically, initially delivered a little sharply — it caps a great series of shows that has helped get the concept of musical theatre into many more living rooms. It’s not a perfect format but, as ITV has shown, it’s a lot better than it could have been…
- All Grease is the Word and Any Dream Will Do fans — stay tuned to The Stage online, and in print, for some great content in the weeks to come…
Scott, thanks again for your refreshing and honest reviews of the show. Always fun to read.
Ah, Scott, are we really 'quite mad'? Ah well, maybe so! Great article again, your pieces throughout the competition have been succinct and great fun to read- thank you!
My Congratulations to Mr LEE MEAD. You were my "Joseph" from day 1. The most consistent performer of the series. I am so looking forward to seeing you on that stage in August. WELL DONE.
Scott once again a great blog and I have really enjoyed reading them.
Lewis really upped his game tonight and I only wish he'd done this early but I am convinced he will be Joseph one day in the near future. We actually got to see Lewis dance tonight and I have been waiting to see this from the beginning of the series.
Keith an incredible singer but just lacked that musical theatre touch for me. Please get some training in acting and movement, I think we will see you on a stage somewhere soon.
Others I have loved and lost through the series:-
Ben, the boy with Star Quallity, who changed my mine about him when in that sing-off with Seamus.
Daniel with that magical voice that melted me from the very first show, you are also a Star.
and Chris C who I wanted to see again after his wonderful
rendition of Close Every Door.
THANK YOU boys for entertaining me on Saturday evenings. What am I going to do now?
I nodded along with every word of that - great review. Chuffed to bits that Lee won - it was very much deserved - and I thought Lewis outperformed Keith this evening, too; a shame he couldn't have come second, though I'm absolutely sure he'll have a thriving career on the stage.
Well done Lee! I suspect tickets for Joseph will be extremely hard to come by from now on ...
Love the blog and always find your comments spot on. Apart from your choice of favourite - Daniel was always a second to Lee for me. Still, I forgive you that!!
Lee lights up the stage and I can't wait to see him as Joseph on 6th July (and again in December - but with better seats!!). I am so pleased (and also broke!) that he won - he is fantastic to watch - really mesmerising, he just takes you along with the story. That's why he'll be a massive hit in the West End (oh and the fact that he is rather gorgeous).
I bet the cast are really pleased that he won given his experience and the fact that they haven't got long to rehearse. I reckon ALW must have thought it would be Lee and didn't want to jinx it - after Lewis went out (after much better performances) surely Keith wasn't serious competition for musical theatre? Fantastic singer but so boring and wooden to watch. Absolutely no acting skills whatsoever. Real shame Daniel wasn't in the final....
Although I've discovered this blog rather late in the ADWD competition, I've enjoyed reading all the reviews. I've bookmarked it now :)
As Lee fan from day 1, I couldn't be happier with the results, can't wait to see him live on stage in August!
I agree with the above comments, Lewis was superior to Keith tonight, would've loved to see him in 2nd place. I'm sure we'll see many of the guys back in musical theatre. We'll just have to keep our eyes open for information - or check this blog of course :)
delighted for lee and lees family and fans and a fab reviiew. and will stay tuned.....even if i may well be quite mad;-) my taste is rather good....
Scott thanks for the final chapter - hope many of the new readers will stay with us
LEWIS really raised his game in the end and I thought he may have just creeped into the final.
KEITH has had an amazing journey which is what a programme like ADWD should all be about, his voice is perhaps the best to listen to after DANIEL - another twelve months may help both Lewis and Keith.
Lee I just thought his journey was steady, not my favourite, but he seemed to handed a lot, New York, New York typical example and the way the set and lighting was used in both of his numbers. Lee will not let ALW down, I am not convinced he is a Leading Man still, when the selection for The Final was announced I did not like his Triumph Reaction and Arrogance which Lee Fans complained about from another younger contestant! - just hope that ALW before 5 weeks intense rehearsals start gets Lee's teeth cleaned!
The trio singing Maria was superb but American friends visiting thought one looked like the Father and the other two the Sons!
Hope that after such a good series, we can back to normality with auditions and that comps like this do not become too regular.
So Scott we are quite mad.....hhhmmm...just you wait until we see you again. lol. I still think Daniel should have been the winner, he didnt hit duff notes or dance routines. His voice was far superior, pure professionalism. Anyway, I agree with John, I am still not convinced that Lee is the best Leading man, he makes too many mistakes for someone of his experience.
Daniels "Bring Him Home".....was outstanding....superb. And I understand the Theatre people not liking TV doing this, but it is bring the craft to more of the public, that has to be a good thing, since ALW comments that Musical Theatre in the next 5 years is in trouble.
I would love to see Daniel with his own show, Theatre and TV singing his songs, I think the public would love to see him.
Dans Kittens (dangerous sort)...lol
DANIEL........YOUR A STAR
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Really enjoyed the blogs. I think the performances faltered last night, as it was so important to them all. Having said that, thank goodness Lee won. He has been outstanding, has great stage presence and has the experience to back it up. When the visit to LOTR took place, all of them, except for Lee, looked as if they were on a school trip. How a West End cast was going to cope with a boy wet behind the ears with no experience, I can only imagine.
Lewis definitely improved after dueting with Lee and given some professional experience he might make it. I’m afraid Keith can’t act at all and should just stick to singing. Lee has put his career on the line for this and good for him. He will make a great Joseph and will fill the Adelphi every night. I’m glad I bought my tickets for July back in April, when I knew he would win. Congratulations Lee!
The Best Man won for sure. But real competition? Not for 6 weeks has there been any doubt about who would win. Far be it from me to suggest that there was any 'conspiracy' but the previous posting about the more 'favourable' opportunities presented to Lee has some evidence to support it.
As I sat there last night enjoying the entertainment being presented I did think that the Lewis and Keith both looked very boyish in comparison to Lee and that, again, the odds were heavily stacked in his favour (particularly given the earlier demise of the more 'mature' opposition).
In the end whilst ALW emphasised he was in the "hands of the people" no one can really believe that. The nature of the process meant that he could, and did, shape the make up of the line up of competitors as it progressed. Fair enough I guess, it is his show after all, but don't try and convince us that we actually have any real influence.
So did I enjoy it? Yes, it is great to see that there is so much honest and high quality young talent out there. It is also fantastic that so much money is raised for charity.
So the best man won last night - but why do I feel disgruntled?
Thanks for a great series of blogs - I've loved reading them after each show. Can't agree that Lee was "given" any advantage - quite the opposite last week, after being told he was "rubbish" at one rock song he was given another and did stumble as a result. But he remained head and shoulders above the others in terms of his performance and I'm really looking forward to seeing him on the stage.
I also hope that Lewis will go on to a great career, he was wonderful to watch last week and this week and managed a good exit even though he was obviously emotional.
Can we have a campaign on behalf of Chris C? Someone's got to go first, but I would have liked to have seen much more of him.
WELL DONE LEE!!! The best man definitely won, and I look forward to going to see him on stage. Shame Ben wasn't in the final, as I always enjoyed his performances and amazing dancing, but was nice to see all the previous Josephs singing in the results show.
Scott thanks for the blog - spot on.
As for Lee, he had me at New York, New York where he put every fibre of his being into the song, finishing on such a well supported final note that he almost collapsed onto Graham Norton with spent energy.
Devil in disguise? Well... he looks like an angel, walks like an angel and talks like an angel but did he sing like an angel? Not for me in this one. Although technically fine I felt it lacked a certain something and he needed to let go a bit more.
His performance of Maria was only hampered by the other two being too lightweight. I would have liked to hear him perform solo. When he was allowed the lead vocals, he sang with such gentle tenderness, it tugged at the heartstrings and was at times completely spine tingling.
JC Superstar I had been waiting for all series and by his body language so had he. Lee strutted onto stage with such sheer animal magnetism he could barely keep himself in check. (Nor could I by the way!) Fuelled by adrenaline/testosterone he conveyed all the raw, angry emotion that swept the audience up in the moment and again that final note totally blew the competition out of the water.
I don't agree that Lee was given an unfair advantage, or perks of any sort. Zoe was consistently critical of him and yes he had occasional tuning issues, (some last night I'll grant you) but then speaking as a singer, so did the other two - yet they escaped the same carping critical comments he got last night.
I don't think this young man realises how good he really is. He needs to believe in himself. A mega star with a mega-watt smile - He is sensational!
WELL DONE LEE!!! The best man definitely won, and I look forward to going to see him on stage. Shame Ben wasn't in the final, as I always enjoyed his performances and amazing dancing, but was nice to see all the previous Josephs singing in the results show.
What an amazing show this has been! Congratulations to Lee, from the reaction of the studio audience last night, (I was lucky enough to be there!!) It was clear from the start of the night that this would be the outcome. Have to say though, what an amazing journey Lewis has had. The last two weeks he has been absolutely fantastic. His Evita performance from last week will stay with me forever! Loved Keith from the start too, such an incredible voice, but do have to agree his overall performance was far from captivating. Agree with the weird posture too...
Was fantastic to see all the Josephs again. Daniel, Craig and Seamus...Fantastic fanantastic fantastic!!!
On a final note, Connie was performing as Maria at the Palladium last night, she pre-recorded before the show started!
What am i going to do with my Saturday nights now?
"Ah, Daniel, your fans are quite mad, you know. Good taste, mind, but quite, quite mad…"
Only quite mad? We got off lightly there methinks! :P
But, I have to say, I'm glad Lee won - though from the start I thought it would be Lee, Daniel and Seamus in the final...
'Twas great to see all the guys on telly again, especially Daniel, and I did enjoy seeing Antony and Chris C again, not quite sure why though...?
Lee stood out from the initial stages, and I'm so glad he's won - I was behind Connie all the way, and was happy she won, but I'll be putting my money where my mouth is where Lee's concerned and be coming down to London to see Joseph, without a doubt. It wouldn't entirely surprise me to see many of the other contestants in the West End very soon, and I'd be happy to pay money to see almost all of them - the standard was incredibly high.
The show's been a massive success, but I'm not sure the Beeb can excuse another 13 weeks of promotion for another show. Hearing Jesus Christ Superstar was a joy, and I'd suggest that that's the next ALW show to get a West End revival - London needs some funky prog rock.
Massive congratulations to Lee.
BEN - DANIEL - KEITH - LEWIS - You have really set UK LIVE THEATRE on Fire once again, YOU are all Truly LEADING MEN and will be for years to come.
THANKS! for letting us share Your Journey - but this is just The Start!
Mad?? Yes very true Scott. Daniel's Kittens are mad with their love , lust and appreciation of Daniel (the real winner!). Congrats to Lee, who despite not being Daniel, will do very well in Joseph I'm sure. The kittens wish him well! We are now eagerly awaiting news of what the real star of the show will be doing next, and you can bet, no matter what it is, the kittens will be making an appearance in the front row! Good luck Daniel - we love you!! Thanks for the reports Scott - they, and you, have been great!!!!
Much love to you and Daniel,
Sparkleglitz
aka a naughty kitten!!!
xxxxxx
The best man won - Lee was the most consistent performer as well as having the most all round talent. His interpretation of a song is so good you can forgive the occasional tuning issues. He has the voice, movement, acting and most of all charisma - my eyes were drawn to him on stage even when he wasn't singing (such as in Keith's solo part in JC Superstar - I was listening to Keith but watch Lee waiting to sing).
Keith had a fabulous voice, but that's all. He couldn't move well, and his acting was very hit and miss. He should not continue down the musical theatre route, but concentrate just on singing - I can see him singing soft classics and ballads.
Lewis was unlucky last night - he should have made it through to the final as he really upped his performance in the last 2 weeks. He has a great talent for one so young - give him a couple of years and he'll deliver great things. And boy can the boy dance!!
But the night belonged to Lee, and justly so. I can't wait to see him in the show!!
Great review Scott! The kittens love you too!
Congratulations to Lee! While Daniel may have my heart, Lee was my second favourite, and definately the best on the night. Although, I have to say, Lewis really upped his game last night. I thought his performance of Kiss was first rate!
Now, all of you hurry up and get on stage in the West End. Your fans are desperate to see you all in person!
Love and miows!
Thanks Scott - really enjoyed reading this, as always with your reviews.
Well done to Lee - you really were the best all-rounder, and by far the most polished of those who were left. Maybe Lewis is just a bit too young still - give him another yearor so and I think he could really surprise us all. Keith, not so sure about him as an all-round performer but a great voice.
What a shame, though, that the biggest competition to Lee left so early in the series. I would have loved to have seen Seamus go further in the competition, and, especially, Daniel. Once Daniel had gone, I didn't think Lee had any serious competition - the other performers, although they all had strong points, were too one-dimensional.
If you can keep us informed as to what is happening with these boys' careers I will love you for ever Scott! I can't wait to hear the beautiful voice of Daniel Boys again.
Thank you again Scott, your writing has really enhanced this competition for me.
Why does everyone find Lee so great? Keith stuck out for me, GREAT singer. And there's not as much room on the stage as he had to himself then, because the stage will be full alot of the time, so he won't have to have a full blow dance routine. People will be more focused on the singing...well, normal people. (But if normal is based on me then it hardly counts XD)
Keith, gotta luv ya :)
Lewis was a bit so-so. Sometimes he was great, sometimes he was not so great. What annoyed me was his annoying spider leg thing XD
Lee is my friend's cousin's friend's sister's boyfriend, so sorta vaguely connected.
Unless you have front row tickets, you dont care if the guy is good-looking.It seems to me a great voice would be more important.
And the best voice by far was easily Keith Jack.
I have been following this blog over the weeks and have been glued to the tv! So here is my twopence worth! The three that shone for me from the beginning were Lee, Daniel and Seamus. It's a shame that Seamus' attitude lost him his place in the competition as he has a fantastic voice. Daniel, well-how could you not want to listen to him for 2 hours?? He is amazing but was given crap songs in the end. He still performed them better than most of the others. Ben really came out of his shell and is great to watch but why so arrogant? Would he have coped with bad critics? and then Lee.......I LOVE this guy. He has it all. He was convincing and I always found myself glued to him on the screen in all group songs. I will be booking my tickets asap. Surely this competition has created a whole new audience for the West End-that can't be a bad thing?? I suppose my social life can get back on track now it's all over!!!
Congratulations LEE - you were definitely the right choice! No one else even came close to your on stage performances, even Daniel. I fell in love with your voice. I just hope to be able to see you perform live as Joseph. Enjoy the ride, you have more than earned it.
Great show! SOO glad Daniel got the biggest cheer.Am BURSTING to see him on stage( yes we prob ARE a little mad!).
Glad Lee won but the final should have been Daniel, Lee and Craig. I hope the above 3 along with Ben and Keith go on to have great careers. They all have something different to give and have different strengths.
Daniel still the BEST though and really, really hope he announces a tour soon.
Good luck to them all.
Congratulations to Lee, just knew he would win right from the start, although I really loved Daniel, and Keith's voice too. I have so enjoyed this blog, Scott, I have read it avidly since I discovered it, and shall keep checking this website for other articles by you, you describe everything so clearly and articulately, even pointing out things I hadn't noticed, and I think your judgments were almost always accurate.
Saturday nights will never be the same, but have booked front row tickets for October when we are coming to London(from Scotland)to join the family and see the show, very excited. Thanks again.
II have to agree with most of you when you say that Lee is the one that you watch on screen. Your eyes are drawn to him. I also have to say that I LOVED “devil in disguise“. OK so he wasn’t perfect but I didn’t care, completely drew me in and I was cheering my head of Sat night after his performance. As for NEW YORK well, personally I think receiving the bad comments and pointing out minor mistakes possibly played on his mind, (I know he might have to put up with bad reviews, but not 5 mins before a performance in front of millions), but once he got into it WOW. As already said you could obviously see how much energy he put into that performance, I thought he was going to collapse in his last pose. Well done Lee. I had previously brought tickets for Sept, but managed to get more for early August (with better seats)
On another note, to all the people out there that maybe thinks that this is not the way to go for Musical Theatre. I live in Norfolk, we and I am sure many other places in this country don’t get to here about what is happening on the stage until it is to late, when maybe the STARS are doing the TV rounds to promote. Normally by this time seats are booked out months in advance. This is a wonderful way to bring the Theatre into "everyone’s" lives; after all we are now going twice and would still like to see Connie in Sound of Music. I have also now subscribed to this newspaper so that we can keep up with what is going on, and this is all thanks to ALW and the BBC. Once again WELL DONE LEE, you better be on stage Aug 3 LOL.
Well Done to Lee, but have to agree with some comments above, Daniel was my winner!
Thanks For All Your Support!
Chris X
Sorry, one more thing hope you keep the curly black hair when you play Joseph....
On Saturday morning, I was typing up the programme for our church performance of Joseph (next weekend). I wrote a short piece about the history of the show ending with "Any Dream will do" winner. I was very tempted to type in Lee's name but thought I shouldn't tempt fate.
For all the talk of conspiracy theories you could see from Lee's face at the end, that he didn't think it was a forgone conclusion. As they were waiting for the results, he looked so scared & was really struggling to hold in his tears.
I enjoyed Saturdays show but on one point the Grease show scored higher - they actually sang some of the songs from Grease; whereas we hardly got anything from Joseph, (unlike last years S of M). I was dissappointed that we never got to hear Keith & Lee sing "Close Every Door".
Also - what about the kids - we hardly saw them. I would have to like to have seen them do the backing on "Close every door" & "Any Dream will do".
Also agree about first Chris. His "Close every door" was the one we were most imprssed with of them all.
Well done Lee - loved you from the very first audition.
So pleased for Lee - he thoroughly deserved to win as he was the most consistent performer throughout and was far and away the best theatrical performer.
I knew as soon as it was announced he would sing Paint It Black that he was going to wipe the floor with Keith, it had, after all, been described as the performance of the series.
I totally agree with Melanie - I couldn't take my eyes off him during Superstar, Keith just didn't have any kind of presence for me other than a voice, and I wasn't that taken with that either.
As for John's comments regarding Lee's reaction at reaching the final two, it was in no way arrogant or triumphant - it was a straightforward release of all that pent-up emotion at being so close to the finish and I'm absolutely certain that if Keith's name had been announced first his reaction would have been exactly the same.
To hold a west end stage you can't just rely on your voice, you have to have a presence and acting ability so that the audience can engage with the performance and get drawn in. Lee can do just that.
Well done Lee - knock 'em dead!
Well, Lee was a clear leader from the outset - he truely was in a different class to all the others. The thing to remember is this wasn't a singing competition, this was a search for a West End leading man and I'm afraid I would be have felt a bit cheated had the other two in the final won, having already booked my tickets. Keith has a great voice but does not have the neccessary stage presence and whilst Lewis did improve this week I (and anyone else I have discussed it with) have always felt very uncomfortable watching him - sorry Lewis.
My family and I are really looking forward to seeing Lee perform next month - break a leg honey :)
I never read (or even knew about) the Stage blogs until I found this website shortly after the shock exit of Daniel from the competition. I've enjoyed the blogs tremendously - thank you Scott for your insight. I've also enjoyed the exchanges of views in the comment sections - thank you to everyone who has posted. For my part, I couldn't believe that Seamus and Daniel went as early as they did, and I loved Ben's moves and Keith's voice (although I couldn't for the life of me understand why the producers didn't take bigger shears to the latter's barnet). But - as with Connie Fisher - from the first moment I saw Lee it seemed obvious to me that he should win (although ALW's failure to save Daniel made me wonder whether he would in fact do so). Saturday night was fabulous TV: an awesomely scary episode of Dr. Who that had me wishing I still fitted behind the sofa and the glorious final of ADWD - culminating in the right man (in my view at least) prevailing. Fantastic stuff.
In all the adulation for Lewis - am I missing something? I never knew why he got as far as he did, and when ALW saved him over Ben - well, what rubbish!
At least I can agree about the final choice, but I think Keith has the better voice
I don't know why even though I want to applaud Lee for winning. But I just think that the wrong person won. I knew all along that Lee was going to win but I just think the fact that he said he gave a lot up for this part annoyed me because in the end it was up to him to give things up its like he was blaming the show for him to give things up.
I think on Saturday night even though I believe that Keith Jack is the best ever I think that Lewis should of won he was by far the best singer on Saturday night his 'Kiss' was absolutly amazing. Both him and Keith will go far I don't know about Lee though I think after Joseph he will not do much else. I think that will be what he is known for but not sure about the rest of the future sorry Lee.
But i know for a fact I wont be going to see the show I just don't think the right person one he had the advantage of being in the westend before. These sorts of shows aren't real anymore.
KEITH OR LEWIS should of won KEITH PREFERBLY but these two will both go far any way Keith will not go back to shelf stacking he is already in the showbiz world
Love ya Keith
first thanks Scott i have enjoyed your blogs over the last ten weeks
as for saturday glad to see chris and ben back again as as for being mad we now we are ............but not as mad as ALW for letting him go when he did and thats my last word on the topic
I agree with what Jeanne said about Lewis its one of the great mysterys of our time that he reached the final but after all that the right person one LEE will make a great Jospeh
Just FYI, Connie wasn't there during the live show! Her performance was recorded during rehearsal and then edited into the live show so she could make it to her evening performance. It came off rather seemlessly, IMO.
Am new to The Stage, too, so thanks Scott for the great write-ups. Lee has always been my favourite (along with Daniel) and was way out in front in every way from the beginning. Reading the comments here, I just had to write and put 'John' straight on a few issues: I don't think that Lee was given an easy ride throughout - he has been given some truly horrible comments (the 'horrible' one from Zoe, as well as being the only person on Saturday to be given a bit of a dressing down about his singing). Additionally, when all of the other guys talked about how they missed their mums and girlfriends in their 'before song videos', Lee was picked on by the younger guys who thought it would make him look stupid to the public - guess what, it backfired!!
Not sure that John and I watched the same show on Saturday either - I certainly didn't see the 'truimph reaction and arrogance' from Lee - all I saw was a guy that looked generally terrified that his dream might end and amazing gratitude that it hadn't. The Maria song too - what I saw were 2 boys and their amazing older brother!
The one thing that I am surprised no-one has mentioned is Lewis's terrible version of 'Close Every Door'. Yes, I know he is young and I know that he was upset, but then so were many of the others who performed it way better than him. Considering it was the final, I had expected better.
Finally, back to John, just want to say how very rude I think you were in your comment about Lee's teeth. They may not be pearly white but we are NOT American and Lee is a normal guy - perhaps you are perfect in every way (!), but few of the rest of us are. That doesn't take away from him how fantastic he is and I think that it is out of order for you to have made such a personal comment.
Finally, I can't believe how quickly Joseph tickets are going - it just goes to show that many people were doing the same as me and my friends - waiting to make sure that we were seeing Lee before spending a hell of a lot of money.
All that's left to say is huge amounts of good luck cuddles and kisses to Lee and I can't wait to see him and his teeth in a couple of months' time.
Karen - beautifully put!!
Scott - thanks for the blogs and the opportunity to air our opinions.
Lee - you are fantastic and you will go a long long way in the West End, not just in Joseph, but in the many leading roles that will follow.
I am so pleased that Lee won this.... I could not take my eyes off him when he was on stage and I think his Joseph will be a huge success.
I did not see him looking triumphant or arrogant on Saturday night, to me before the result was called he looked very tense and worried and when he knew he'd won he looked relieved and overwhelmed. I think the emotion of it all got to him a bit at the beginning of his finale but he came through and he looks gorgeous in that technicolour coat ..... as I knew he would.
I thought Daniel was great as well and I wish he could have gone further, however I am sure a great future awaits him.
Enjoyed reading Scott's blog, everybody's feedback and there were points I even thought the J's were actually listening and adapting to our rabble's babble. Most of us probably need counselling, including the 9 that didn't make the final.
Great to see Lee Mead fulfill his ambition, he is a consummate performer.
A voice like Keith Jack's probably appears once in a generation, it's aimed at the West End and it is going to make a deep impact.
I think Daniel was more professional than them all, he got the most duff songs and was creative and inventive. I didn't get that feeling with Lee. When you go over the song choices, they did play very much to Lee, big ballads. Even on Saturday night Lee always got the last song. If ALW wanted Lee, he was his employee so why didnt he just give him the job. Doesnt make sense to me. What I did like about this program is it opened up Theatre music to a wider audience. Daniel singing Bring Him Home....blew me away.....an amazing performance...His close every door....cant be beaten. I think Lee got the job, but the best man will get better.......just watch.....
Casper - totally agree. Would have been interesting to see what would have happened in the final with Lee and Daniel. Daniel`s `close every door` and `bring him home` were,for me ,the best songs sung on the WHOLE show. He was awesome. Lee was the best left and I feel he will have a good career after Joseph. ALW couldn`t have given him the job if the first place because people like to go to see a`name` and nobody knew him then!
Come on Daniel let us all know what you are going to be doing??
How anyone can say Lee was "arrogant" when he won beggars belief. He was the only performer I would pay to go and see in live theatre (sorry Daniel fans, he didn't do it for me) and I had great difficulty buying tickets yesterday so I am not alone in thinking he is the consumate leading man. Yes Lewis did well (and in fact much better than Keith on Saturday), but Keith was just a singer - he should consider a recording career (similar to Siobhan last year) - he hasn't got that "certain something" you need for a stage performance - and that is something Lee has in spades. When he was on stage you just didn't look at the others.
So, congratulations to Lee a very very well earned success - you will have a great future in Musical Theatre from now on in.
Those Kittens are EVERYWHERE! Maybe I should join. Yep Daniel was the best and the magic certainly went from the show when he left. Shame on you ALW! He'll get my future support whatever he does - c'mon Daniel and tell us what you are doing!
Lee was my second though and he does look like a Joseph, more so than Daniel (hate to say it) and Lee did deserve to win when up against the other two. I did buy tickets (and got good ones) in advance for Joseph hoping DB would win but am happy to see Lee. This stuff about Lee appearing arrogant is utter nonsence.
Congrats to Lee, overall he was probably the best choice, but I felt watching Lewis on Saturday, how talented he is for one who has just turned 18. I think his performances were the best in the first part, and could not believe Keith got into the final show with Lee. I really do think Lewis will in time go on to be a big star, and I'm sure most if not all twelve Josephs, will have good careers, they were a great bunch. Enjoyed the series from start to finish, and look forward to seeing all the lads in the future.
I have a confession. As is so often the case with me, I thought had it figured form day one. At the end of the first live show I told my Mum that I knew the conclusion: it would be a Lee/Daniel/Seamus/Keith semi-final with a Seamus/Keith Sing-Off that Seamus would lose. Keith would be the first to leave the final, leaving Daniel and Lee to battle it out.
It seems that my predictions went slightly askew, with only Lee and Keith surviving that long. I think it easier to find the reasons behind Seamus's earlier demise. We need only to look at his closing lyric adaption '... a show of my own' and suggestion of a conspiracy theory, only half in jest, to see that it was his arrogance that was his downfall here. Technically speaking, I think Seamus could rival anyone, but agree that it seemed he could never quite connect with the audience. The biggest question on my mind is, of course, what happened to Daniel? I can't answer this question as it still baffles me that ALW decided to save Lewis over Daniel a few weeks back. I think he thoroughlly deserved a place in the final two. Can anyone enlighten me here as to why ALW let him go?
I was adamant that the final vote would be between Lee and Daniel, Lee clinching the coat with the tips of his fingers. Okay, the two of them are the only two professionals, but in my opinion The West End needs a professional. I agree with John in that the tough theatre critics would tear someone like Lewis to shreds, charming though he can be. So then this begs the question, is there any point in having a show like ADWD at all if only a professional could cope under the eight-shows-a-week pressure of The West End? The answer to this is a resounding 'YES'. I echo Bill's words in stating that if Lee had not entered the competition he (Bill) would never have recognised Lee as leading-man material over a mere understudy. It is just sad, a sentiment echoed in Daniel's Interview, that actors have to find new ways of creating an image when they cannot get parts with regular casting methods.
I do wonder how many more series the West End can take. If this becomes a yearly competion (and I feel that it may be heading that way), how long will it be before the stage is over-run by up-and-coming, wrongfully-ignored stars? So far I feel the public have made the right choices with both Connie and Lee -- no one could be more appropriate for the parts -- but I don't think that the West End can rely on the public forever. This may be why some people feel that Lee has been given an upper hand in the competition, to encourage the public to vote for the right man.
Definitely the right result. Brilliant, emotional final, with huge energy from all 3 performers. Nobody performed perfectly (they are human) but the atmosphere they created made this show the epitome of entertainment.
John, I couldn't disagree more with your comments about Lee. His charisma and stage presence make him utterly mesmerising to watch, and can actually be quite frightening at times in their intensity.
So, he had the odd tuning issue on Saturday. He wasn't the only one. The fact is that the audience love him and he is definitely the right choice.
We all know about Lee's sibilance - personally, I love it. I'm no expert but I think it would be a boring world if everyone's pronunciation were the same.
Incidentally, I've always considered this to be a classy site, so it's very disappointing to read unkind personal comments about a young man's teeth. Inappropriate and nasty, in my view.
Lee will be a huge star for many years to come. Any imperfections only make us love him more.
Have to agree with you there Scott, we kittens are well know for our craziness, and even Daniel says so too and still loves us :)
It was fantastic to see him again, but far too short!! My sister is over the moon that Lee won and wants to go see him, so i guess i'll go too. Would have preferred that i was going to see Daniel but Lee will do until Daniel announces his next live performance :)
It was great to find this site and read all the comments as I'm still missing the show and am dreaming about Lee! I'm too embarassed to admit it to anyone I know!
Lee's performance when he sang Devil in Disguise was so fab I have to keep watching it. So glad I booked up to see the show in advance. Lewis was my favourite in the beginning but was overtaken by Lee's magical performances.
All the boys were fab and did wonderful jobs. Hope they all get somewhere in the future - I thought some of them eg Craig and Ben would do well in Dirty Dancing or similar shows.
Well done to all. (I must get over my Lee addiction now and return to normal life!!)
I think the right man won. Because I believed that this would be the outcome I have already booked my seat to see Lee but couldn't get a seat until early September. When I tried to get a group booking before Lee had actually won but felt he would, I couldn't get anything before December.
Try to get a decent seat in the theatre now that Lee has won and I am sure you will find it very, very difficult. If any of the others had won, including Daniel, I would not have been willing to pay £45 for a ticket to see the show. Lee has charisma, he is gorgeous to look at (hope they dont put a wig on his beautiful, dark curls) and commands the stage when he is on it. When he is in a group it is difficult to look at anyone else. I have enjoyed the show and most of the boys' performances but the right man won.
That was another good review Scott but I must disagree with you on a few points. It definately was fantastic to see all the boys performing on Saturday night but I don't agree with your negative comments about Craigs' weight gain. This was worth mentioning because..? Don't you think that it was a bit insensitive especially with all the bad press about weight issues and size zero role models at the moment? I don't think Craig has put on any weight and looked as fit as he had been on previous shows including Bootcamp Barricade. Personally I think he gave a fantastic performance which was confident, energetic and word perfect as always and my eyes were drawn to him. If Lewis was half the man Craig is and could manage to remember his words once in a while then he might have deserved to be in the final. Lewis is a fantastic dancer but as John B said they were not auditioning for Billy Elliot which is a pity as Lewis has the same mental age as Billy. I also noticed that you failed to mention the fact that Lewis delivered the weakest, most horrendous rendition of "Close Every Door" of the whole contest which made me cringe with embarrasment for him. I also don't agree with Bill's comment about Lewis having the greatest journey as he actually regressed at one stage and only succeeded in clawing his way back up to his original level of performance. In my opinion Craig had the hardest journey and improved week after week. I think that ALW realised he'd made a big mistake sending Craig and Daniel home as he hinted in the video he recorded after the semi-final and I actually feel sorry for Lewis as ALW falsely led him to believe that he had a chance to win the competition when in actual fact he was far too immature and delivered insipid performance most weeks.I am not disputing the fact that Lee totally deserved to win that particular final with all his experience but I do know that the final would've been much more entertaining with Daniel, Craig or even Seamus to give Lee some decent competition and may even have given us a different result. No wonder then that ALW made sure Lewis was in the final.
Its interesting looking at the general tone of the comments over the last few weeks. Here is how I'd sum them up for the finalists.
Lee - positive comments from most people, even those who wouldn't have had him as first choice. A few niggles but the only real bad negatives coming from the Daniel kittens who subscribe to consipiracy theories on why their darling was evicted.
Keith - very middle of the road comments. Most people agree he's got a nice voice but lacks a little on the movement/charisma front. Very few strong comments one way or the other with I think a general feeling of he'll be good when he gets more training.
Lewis - a huge difference in the way people feel. He seems to have inspired a vast amount of hatred (though perhaps this is connected to the fact that he was chosen against Daniel in the sing off). Yet again, other people are very positive and others think he has potential but is too young yet.
James, you asked for enlightenment about why ALW chose Lewis over Daniel in their sing-off. From most of the posts here, it seems that a lot of us thought that the final would be between Lee and Daniel (and what a show that would have been!). My take on ALW voting to keep Lewis was that he had already decided that he preferred Lee and wanted to keep any strong competition away from his favourite - especially as he didn't get to vote himself in the final. Agree that Lee was a great choice for the role and we will definitely go and watch him (his first rendition of Painted Black was such a haunting performance). Will still be checking to see what happens to Daniel though...
Firstly thanks scott for a great blog, really enjoyed nodding along with your comments over the series.
Huge congrats to Lee, well deserved, and seriously can we imagine anyone other than him or Daniel ( who stood out too but maybe not a joseph he will be great as anything else) being able to cope with all the pressure, 8 shows a week, short rehersal time etc of the West End. The other boys ( Lewis should have come 2nd in my opinion, keith with his good voice and all did lack stage presence) in a few years will be great though me thinks. I never thought Lee had an advantage just age on his side as the other ones were all stage school trained just not graduates yet and therefore not of working age.
I have to be honest I love shows though, Joseph has never been a favourite of mine, never seen a professional production of it (missed seeing jason in my youth!!) however I couldnt wait to book tickets to see Mr mead perform. have struggled to get decent tickets due to availability and also personal schedule etc but have badgered my better half into a wknd in London and have managed to get tickets at the start of October!! And I cannot wait, seems like a while away yet but just have everything crossed that it is Lee that we get to see and nothing untoward happens in meantime. so lee break a leg, enjoy every minute and stay well!!!
Louise - I agree whole heartedly with your comments - Lee deserved to win and to my mind Lewis should have come second. I too had difficulty booking but have managed tickets for the day after my birthday (my birthday treat), although not at the front of the stalls where I wanted but at the back. However, I am sure I will be going to see the show for a second time, hopefully nearer to the front - although tickets are selling like hot cakes. There is no doubt that Lee will be fantastic in the role and will go on to bigger and better things. At the end of the day we were voting for someone we would pay West End prices to see in a West End production which requires all the attributes Lee has.
Unfortunately I'm still not back to normal life yet and the fact my daughter is off school sick is only making my Lee addiction worse!! (Don't worry - she's not THAT sick and I'm not abandoning her!). What else can I do all day?
I don't think I've ever had such a crush on someone and I should know better at my age - that's for me to know alone! So glad I bought tickets early but as they're right at the top am already thinking of when I can see it again - if I can find anyone to go with me a second time.
I just think he seems to be one of the nicest people I've seen on the tv and is absolutely captivating - I'm not even sure why. He's just so good looking (although an old pic of him as the Pharoah is'nt too flattering - keep the curly fringe!
Don't want people to think I'm just an old saddo who only goes for looks as like I say, I've never felt this way before, not even when a teenager. He just oozes sex appeal and more importantly Talent! Hope to see him in many more things.
Is anyone else on my wavelength?
It would be good at this stage to focus on people's positives rather than their negatives? I will really miss the show and all the talented guys - each had their own strengths and brought something special to the competition. As well as having a big voice, Keith showed that he had a big heart by being a fantastically gracious runner-up; Lewis had great joy and enthusiasm (as well as lots of tears!); Ben was a glorious dancer; Craig brought hard work and willpower; Daniel has created a terrifying new force in the world with his Kittens; Chris B was a beautiful singer; Rob the builder showed us passion and a determination to give this opportunity all he'd got; Seamus had the best hair - maybe he can come back in Jesus Christ Superstar!; Antony had the scariest girlfriend; and Chris C gave the best rendition of Close Every Door. The only Joseph that puzzles me is JohnDeep, I would have said how fantastic that he got to sing in front of his family for the first time but I read that the BBC had made a bit more of that than was perhaps the real case.
I hope that, like the Marias, they will all
chance in the limelight.
Debbie - I am totally on your wavelength! I don't know why I feel this way - my friend has started call me LOPpy (Lee Obssessed Person) - as you say not only is he very talented, looks fantastic on stage and has charisma but he comes across as such a genuine nice guy. My mother is also totally smitten and I promised her we would go and see Joseph if Lee won - he did and we are, and she (80) is as excited as I am.
In response to Gina, I agree that all the boys did so well and deserve to have something soon. Perhaps we could suggest shows for them - Guys and Dolls for Daniel, Barnum for Ben, Lee for anything of course (although I do think he would be a great Marius in Les Mis), Lewis for Oklahoma, any ideas for Keither and the others??
Isn`t it funny how someone `grabs`you. Whilst I can see how good Lee is he just doesn`t DO it for me, unlike Daniel who most certainly DOES!!
Debbie - don`t worry about your age,I`m 35yr! and can`t recall anyone who I have liked as much as Daniel
I hope some of the others go on to do well. It would be a boring world if we all liked the same things/person.
Come on Daniel we are still waiting to book tickets for you(hard earned money ready and willing to be partied with!!).
Debbie and Carol am on your wavelength too. I feel exactly the same and I daren't tell my friends or family as I am a grandmother with 3 grandchildren. I have managed to get a seat in Row B for September and I can't wait to go and see Lee as Joseph. I would have gone sooner if I could have got a seat sooner. I am even going up to London on my own so that I can see the show before a group visit I have booked for December. Couldn't get group seats before December even though Lee hadn't won then. Thank goodness I videoed most of Lee's performances but unfortunately wiped off the first three by accident!!
I just hope he has a long career in musical theatre as he deserves it. I would love to see him as Marius in Les Mis.
At the risk of sounding even older (I'm ONLY 43) it's really nice to go on a website where everyone makes intelligent conversation that I can understand (!) and you all seem to know all the musicals so speak with authority. I only wish I had the time and money to see all the shows you lot seem to have seen. This has made me more determined to make the effort. If anyone wants to go and see Joseph and are on their own I'll meet them outside with a "I am an obsessed Lee fan" badge!!
Woops! I must be really obsessed as I've just burnt the dinner. My unsuspecting hubby will be pleased...
Debbie, Carol and Pat, I know exactly what you mean about Lee. He's just gorgeous and I can't wait to see him in January (only tickets I could get). I, too, have had a child at home ill and so am filling my time by watching clips of Lee performing. I think that the thing that makes him stand out is the confidence of his performances, but that very endearing nervousness about his own ability which comes through when he is interviewed.
I have decided that age doesn't matter, I may be a 42 year old mother of three, but inside I just think Lee's amazing, sexy, with an incredible voice and the ability to make you feel as though he's singing directly to you. I think he'll be a marvellous Joseph.
Fellow Lopies
Of course what we need is the BBC to issue a dvd of the show (with the best bits from each show, which will of course include ALL Lee's numbers) - I am sure it would be an instant best seller! I hope you have all got your Children In Need cds/downloads - I'm off on holiday tomorrow so have got my friend lined up to buy mine,just in case stocks run out in a fortnight!
Just getting my daily fix of any dream will do!! so glad reading your posts that Im not alone in my scariness!!
Had to post again as really cant tell anyone else of my guttedness (in fear of scaring them, keep reminding myself im a 27yr old not 12 year old!!) of the fact that yesterday I happened to find out that lee is not taking the planned holiday in september, that was a wknd that when booking tickets we could have gone and were tickets available, but since he wasnt going to be on i booked the next available at the start of october. i just couldnt believe how gutted i was, but anyhow at least its only 2 weeks after!! I dont know what i'll be like if the law of sod comes into play on that night and he doesnt perform, hope he doesnt get ill (like connie did) or take later holiday. and having watched the final again hope he takes on zoe's words and paces himself and not too much pressure on himself as he is great!!
right group therapy over better get back to my job and the real world.
oh yeah was i right in thinking that the bbc did a programme on connie and the sound of music behind the scenes type thing coming up to the show or am I making it up?
Louise
You are right - the BBC showed a programme on Connie's journey over the Christmas break last year, so hopefully they will be doing something similar. On the down side six months is a long time to wait!! More excitingly my tickets to see the show arrived yesterday!!
I am so glad I have an official name now or is that Loopy?! Yes, I too had my Lee fix this morning but am now not sleeping well as the music is constantly going round in my head (only Lee's songs of course) esp Devil in Disguise. Please someone tell me how to get over this before I go completely mad.
Glad to hear there may be a DVD coming out. If he's not on when I go (27July) I think I may well slit my wrists! Already have my tickets but knowing my luck I'll forget them. My friend who's going with me was a Lewis fan so won't be getting so het up as me but she did suggest we wait round the back door for an autograph (and maybe a kiss!). I think I'd be far too embarassed to be hanging round - now if I was a bit younger...
By the way Carol, have lovely hols - but how are you going to cope without this group therapy? (It's very cheap and effective too).
My name is Fiona and I'm a Loppy - it's been 2 hours since I had my last Lee fix! LOL!
I may well yet watch some more tonight after despatching my girls to the land of nod, I find it makes the ironing less of a chore! And Debbie, how spooky but Devil in Disguise is on constant reply in my head too!
As someone mentioned in a previous post (either here or on the BBC's Joseph site - it all becomes a blur after a while!), wouldn't it be great if they released a CD of Lee singing various MT songs, etc in the same way they did with Connie. I wouldn't be averse to having Lee serenading me in my car/kitchen/etc.
I hope all those lucky enough to have tickets enjoy the show. I'm still working out whether it'll be feasible to take my 6yr old to the West End (it's a bit of a trek), but it would be a great introduction to the live Joseph show for her (she loves the DVD and my many audio versions). As for me, it's been a while since I last saw it at the theatre, but have seen Bill Kenwright's production many times since I was a child and have fond memories of waiting at the stage door of the Liverpool Empire on several occasions waiting for autographs.
Fiona, as I understand it, Lee is about to sign with a major record label (I believe Polydor), so a CD may not be too far behind...
Fellow Loppies
Really good news about signing with a record label - finges crossed! I am currently driving my husband to distraction as I keep singing Paint it Black. I have to listen to Lee as soon as I get home from the office - sad or what! Fiona I am sure your daughter would love the show especially as it isn't too long for a six year old. I shall probably pine away without my group therapy for two weeks, but keep up the good work in my absence!
Thanks for that snippet, Scott... will keep an eye out.
Another hopeless Loppy here, too!
Carol - great suggestion about a DVD of all the best (Lee's) bits from the shows. I wish I had kept the whole series now, would love to get copies of the first five shows on VHS or DVD. If I had a fiver for every time I have watched the moment when Lee won, I'd be extremely rich!!
Roll on August - I've got my tickets ready! The thought of that will be a comfort tomorrow night when there's absolutely NOTHING on TV to watch!!
Trace - now you know why I am leaving the country for two weeks! I got very worried at one point that the final might be today and I wouldn't see it, but the BBC got their timing exactly right. Forgot to say that my sister is also a Loppy, so we are a growing sisterhood!
Do hope when I get back there might be more news about a signing for a record company (and news of a cd issue with just lovely Lee on it). I too wish I had videoed the series, but at least the BBC ADWD site allows you to watch the weekly show videos. Just going to get my last viewing of Paint It Black and Leave Right Now, before I go - it will have to sustain me for the next two weeks!
Carol, have a good holiday. Lee's on the Lottery show tonight so make sure you record it. I, too, hope there's a DVD of the show and a CD too would be great. My husband went and deleted the final show (!!) by accident so I keep watching the clips.
Devil in Disguise is just running through my head constantly .. Can't wait to get the CD on Monday of Any Dream will Do!
Watched the final again last night (totally loppy, I know ;) ) and one thing that I don't think has been mentioned so far is the audience's reaction to all of Lee's solo performances - they went crazy and I don't think that's something you could engineer, it was genuine appreciation of the sheer energy/emotion/skill he puts into each song. Just what you want to see in any production of Joseph. And then to see him so genuinely thrilled, with no trace of arrogance or taking it for granted... is it any wonder we're obsessed with such a talented yet unassuming performer?!
Jackie
Thanks for the tip about the lottery - just set the video and now I'm off for two weeks of sun.
Fiona - quite agree with you regarding the audience!!
Have fun my loppy friends.
Yes Jackie, thanks for the Lottery tip - I think that.s all that will keep me going tonight.
Now I have a little more understanding of why my two girls are always on MSN. I.m constantly nagging them to come off but now I have ulterior motives - it's so I can log on to my loppy friends!
It's the first time I've ever posted stuff on a website. Can't believe I'm so besotted with someone I've never met and the feelings are not subsiding either. He's better that ten Robbie Williams put together (although I do like his music) or anyone else I can think of. Hang on - Micheal Buble is quite nice. Lee seems so quiet and anassuming and then he comes on stage and blows us all away. Hope he doesn't change when superstardom comes his way. And as much as I am supremely jealous of her I hope he doesn't dump his girlfriend at the first sight of all us nutters coming his way (as if)!
By the way Justine - hope you don't feel left out with all us Loppys. Daniel was lovely too but not so sexy in my eyes.
Hello again Loppies!
Jackie - THANKS for mentioning Lee's appearance on the Lottery, I wouldn't have known about it otherwise and I taped it. Did you all catch him on Steve Wright in the Afternoon earlier in the week?
Fiona - you must take your little 6-year old daughter to see the show in London - I am taking my daughter and she is only four and a half!
I wonder how poor Carol is getting on away from her DVD player whilst she's on holiday? Withdrawal symptoms!
It 's GREAT news that there will be an album out soon from Lee - hopefully the first of many. What tracks would we all like to see included on it? After last Saturday, I'd love 'Maria' from 'West Side Story' to be one of them. I thought Lee, Keith and Lewis did a fabulous job of it, although Lee's lines were particularly spine-tingling! I'd like to hear him sing the whole song now on his own this time!
What does everyone else think?
Scott - hope you don't mind that we have hijacked your super blog page as an unofficial Loppy meeting place!!
Greetings fellow Loppys. What a joy to find you all. I am missing Lee and the show so much I was searching around on Google for more sites. I only had the sense to record the results part of the final, and play Lee's performances again and again. I just love watching Lee come on in the multicoloured coat, with that wonderful smile and then just a deep breath at the top of the steps and he was Joseph. Can't get by without my daily fix! I have managed to get tickets in September, but it is so nearly a sell out already. Maybe if Lee is persuaded to extend his contract we Loppys can all get together to see the show again, in some decent seats this time.
I so did not see Lee as arrogant, and if it was a foregone conclusion who was going to win no-one had told him. Both Lee and Keith went through on our votes every week so ALW never had any say in the result
Hi everyone. My name is Elisa and I am a Loppy.
I am far too old to be a Loppy which is really bad beause I can't share this with anyone. My friends haven't watched the show and, worst of all, I work with all men. What a nightmare! This is why I feel I should join LOP anonymous. I agree with all that you Loppies say, although I like to think I just want to mother Lee. What talent, what a really nice person, what a smile, what lovely curly hair ...... Do you think I should try to do without my daily fix of repeat performances or is it too late for me?
Welcome Shirley and Elisa to our merrily-insane little band that seems to have hijacked this page as our meeting place to obsess over the hugely talented young man that is Lee Mead!
I recorded the lottery show (sad, I know) but have yet to watch it, and after reading Trace's note about Lee being on Steve Wright last week, I think I shall be paying a visit to the Radio 2 website to "listen again". Although, I think maybe I should start weaning myself off a bit as it really is becoming something of an obsession - not prepared to go cold turkey though! LOL!
Debbie, thanks for the mention!
It seems as if Lee and Daniel between them have awakened many a female! Daniel has been cast in a show in July so I will get my fix soon.Yes might just be hanging around the stage door!
By the way if you e-mail `youtube` and ask them for clips of Lee they will send them to you. Done it with Daniel, just waiting for the post.
Justine.
Hi Loppies!
I wonder how the 'Joseph' rehearsals are going? Pleased to hear that Daniel won't be returning to his filing cabinets and has a job lined up. I hope all the lads progress onto great things as they all gave superb entertainment.
Fiona - hope you manage to catch up with Lee's interview on Steve Wright (Radio 2) which was on last Tuesday (12th) - if not, I've got it on tape if you want a copy!!
Justine - thanks for the tip about Youtube'!
Cheers for now!
Morning fellow loppies!!
Hope we all coped without our first sat night without any dream will do!
I must admit I did miss it, didnt realise how much it had become part of our saturday night!! Good news about daniel too!
I didnt get to see the lottery on sat, tried not to watch it in the hope not to scare my other half, think he would have been worried if we watched it, as we never do, and the way i crazily pestered him last week to come with me to see the show in october, thought best to leave it and leave my obsession to this site.
Hope Scott you dont mind too, then again it probably provides much amusement reading our ramblings!! God knows what the 'Josephs' and lee think if they read this! I am a mature sensible sane grown women, honest!
so girls is it anywhere on the internet as I thought it would be on tv on demand and it wasnt!! must get get back to work promised myself I wouldnt 'log on' till lunch.
Hope the rehearsals are going ok too! and all the other lads are getting the offers they deserve, can you imagine how deflated they must be feeling, I know from experience when I have finnished an amateur production for a few weeks afterwards you just dont know what to do with yourself after being on such a high!!
Then again Lee's feet won't be touching the ground for a while!!
Hi Loppies,
Well, I've been out and bought the CD. Picture on the front's a bit of a disappointment - what have they done to his lovely curls?
"Any dream will do" is great though, same version as Lee did on the Lottery show. We never watch it normally so had to get my son to record it to avoid discovery of mad obsession! Most annoying thing is that we don't get to hear Lee singing all of "Close Every Door" though. Irrintatingly he has to share with Lewis and Keith. I suppose it was time constraints when they recorded it before the final show.
Apologies to Scott for this hi-jacking of your blog. We are all perfectly sane, normal ladies, who just happen to think Lee Mead is fantastic!
Fiona, take your six year old daughter -she'll be fine. We all went as a family to see "The Sound of Music" earlier this year when my daughter was six and she loved it. We're all looking forward to seeing Joseph in January, although I might have a slightly different focus the rest of the family. Having said that my daughter said she loves Lee too, good genes obviously!
Also there is an official website coming soon - not soon enough obviously. But at least that's something to look forward to.
Trace, thanks for the tip about the Steve Wright interview - I shall go and find it on the website.
Good morning fellow Loppy's. Like Louise I had not seen Lee on the National Lottery and took Justine's advice and went for a look on youtube. All you need to do is put Lee Mead in search and it is all the