This week’s show started out with some Oom Pah Pah, and managed to keep up the pace throughout. Unlike last week, I don’t think there were any particularly duff performances — although one or two prospective Nancies didn’t deliver as well as the majority did.
The theme this week was supposedly for all the girls to sing songs that brought out an unknown side to their character. Which isn’t exactly hard: on only the second live show, pretty much every side of their characters is unknown at this stage…
Update: View the musical performances (see this post for more details).
First up, Niamh sang I’ve Got The Music In Me, accompanied for the first time by this year’s dance troupe. Last year’s all-girl team got nicknamed the ‘Josephines’. What name for the new guys? I want to say “Nancy Boys”, but that’s just wrong…
Any way. Back to Niamh, and she delivered a great vocal, with as much acting as the song allowed her. Denise and John both loved it, as did Andrew. And Barry, whose non sequiturs are amusing but slightly wearing, is off in his own little world, bless him.
Cleo performed Feeling Good with another two dancers, but would really have been better off on her own — their choreography was stuttering and unassured, and detracted from her performance. Which may not have been too bad a thing, as John noted that she didn’t quite connect with the powerful imagery of the lyric, and Denise thought she looked pained at times. Andrew thought she was exciting, though, and Barry loved it.
Third up was Keisha, singing about the joys of taking ecstasy with I’m Coming Up. Presumably this was designed to play on the Shirley Bassey reference Andrew made in last week’s show — but Bassey was able to take P!nk’s song and turn it into high camp, something Keisha proved unable to do. Her performance fell uncomfortably between the two styles, and ended up being neither one thing nor the other. Barry loved it, though. Bless.
Samantha wanted to follow up last week’s raunchy rock number with a song showing her vuilnerability. She did admirably, with a superb rendition of See the Day (although she showed her age by referring to it as “the Girls Aloud song” — does nobody remember Dee C. Lee any more?). To use a well-worn phrase, this is a contest to find a good actor as well as a good singer — and Samantha delivered for the second week in a row. Her performance split the judges though, with John believing there was nothing behind her eyes while Denise and Andrew disagreed. Barry loved it, saying he thought Sam was like a younger, more interesting Catherine Zeta Jones.
Next up, Francesca sang the Queen song Somebody to Love — notably introduced as coming from the musical We Will Rock You. Presumably to help bolster the BBC’s comments rebuff to Kevin Spacey this week that other musicals are “always reflected”. To her credit, Francesca delivered a great, musical theatre-style rendition of the song. And, given the stick she’s got over the last few weeks, her delivery of the line Everybody wants to put me down was laced with additional meaning. After her pitching problems last week, it was good to hear what she’s really capable of — even if, as John noted, she had a problem with one note. Andrew noted that she saved her best performance for the show, and not the rehearsal, which he saw as the mark of a true professional (a notable U-turn from last week). Apart from noting that Fran looked a bit too dairy-fed to play Nancy, Barry loved it.
And then it was on to the Olivers. Who this week had a Billy Elliot themed task. They all trooped off to the Billy Elliot theatre, learnt a scene from Billy Elliot, tried on Billy Elliot’s tutu and then trooped back to TV centre to sing Electricity. From Billy Elliot. There, you see? The BBC does mention other musicals, for sure. And how ironic — Billy Elliot is an Old Vic production, its ongoing success helping to fund some of Kevin Spacey’s more, shall we say adventurous, theatrical output.
Seriously, thank God the BBC finally started to highlight individual boys, as it’s been hard up to now to work out who’s who. In terms of performance, I was amazed at the depth of Kwayedza’s voice — possibly a bit too low already to cope with Where Is Love?. And I was disappointed that Laurence had to leave the acting task early. In the group numbers he looks completely at home on stage, far more so than the other boys. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t end up in the semi-finals. That privilege went this week to Chester.
Back to the Nancies, and Rachel wowed the judges with a performance of Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful. Which Barry loved, amazingly. Personally, I didn’t feel the superlatives were deserved: her acting felt too over-dramatic, verging on histrionics, for me.
How different to Sarah, who I thought delivered a powerful and emotive rendition of Take a Little Piece of My Heart. She was still acting in big, broad strokes, but there was a sense of tension and control that I felt Rachel lacked tonight. John felt she was missing a slight edge, though, and criticised her one or two smiles during the performance, which Denise backed up. Andrew could absolutely see her as Nancy, while Barry saw her more as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz or, possibly, Wicked. I think he loved it, though.
Next came Tara, bizarrely introduced as “Welsh Nancy”. Which must have come as something of a shock to fellow Welsh Nancies Sarah and Francesca. After coming at the bottom of my preference list last week, I was pleased to see a much better performance this week. At least, that is, until she hit the upper reaches of Without You, at which point I just sighed as she plummeted back down to the bottom of the list again…
Jodie has been battling illness all week, and I have to be honest that it showed a little in her performance of I’m Every Woman — but in a good way. It meant her normal, over-ebullient self was held in check, allowing her to prove that she can deliver a big showstopping number without being overblown. Denise noted her tendency to deliver songs in a way that suit her cabaret experience, rather than a West End future. John thought she was a real contender, while Andrew thought that neither Tara nor Jodie had been well served by the song choices. Barry, though, lov— oh, what’s the point.
Ashley was another performer who disappointed last week, and she seemed to have taken on the note about her tendency to go “all jazz hands”, as Denise noted last week. Tonight’s performance of Mercy was sexy, entertaining and handled well, so fingers crossed she’ll be safe for another week.
Closing another week of vocal solos, Jessie did a much better job of Killing Me Softly than she did with last week’s Tina Turner number. And while her acting style is still a bit too exaggerated and betrays her lack of formal training, her ability to take on notes and act upon them is a sign that she’ll do well in future. I still don’t think she’s right for Nancy — and the judge’s talk of perfection was over-egging the pudding somewhat — but she clearly has something, and hopefully she’ll get the chance to take on some musical theatre training at whatever point she leaves this show.
At the end of another show, the recipient of this week’s TV Today 25p vote was going to be Samantha again, and my least favourite was, I’m afraid, Tara once more. I did feel bad about repeating myself from last week, though, so I voted for Sarah too. Living dangerously, I know, but I picked Comply or Die in the office Grand National sweepstake, so my phone bill should be able to cope…
OK all set for this show now. Not too keen or excited, but hey ho.
Niamh- Thin voice in most of the song, looks good, but not a Nancy.
Cleo-Rubbish accent in group song. Good voice in song, is she right for it?
Keisha-Wasn’t conviced by her in group song. Looks good when she was dancing with the guys. Song did not make me want to party.
Samantha-Meant to show her vulnerable side? Do you smile all the time when you are vulnerable, I think not. Voice seemed fine.
Will Barry ever say anything bad about the contestants?
Francesca-She acted the song. Voice was good. Best so far. She shouldn’t be in the bottom 2 this week.
Harry, Joseph, Jonny and Laurence, all really struck me, but they're soooo good, such a difficult choice.
Rachel-I believed her. Slight crack on a couple of notes. Really put herself into the song.
Sarah-Looked aggressive with the body movements, but the face wasn’t supporting it. Voice good.
Tara-Stop shaking your hands about. Sounded good, not amazing.
Jodie-Very good in the group song. Solo: Couldn’t hear all the words. I didn’t like it.
Ashley-I was going to say the dresses are much better this week. I think Ashley’s was left from last week. She didn’t sound our look like she was begging for mercy, more like begging for a fight.
Jessie-Sweet version of Killing me softly.
For me best performer in group song Jodie, in solo Francesca.
Sorry Olivers, I still have difficulty in telling you apart.
What was wrong with the panel tonight? They all looked out of sorts. John seemed pibbed about something, BH full of his now-familiar blather, and ALW looked as if he wanted to be in his fluffy pink slippers with his cocoa.
The makeup and gowns were better tonight with the exception of Jodie and Ashley, who should have won the worst dress of the night award.
Niamh is a decent singer, but for pop songs, not West End. She seems insincere to me.
Cleo was OK but the band was way too loud.
Keisha, bland, voice wobbly.
Samantha, bland and her timing was off.
Francesca, very good (are they trying to redeem her by setting her apart and giving her such a power ballad?)
Rachel was good but ALW looked bored.
Sarah, good, an acted performance.
Tara, a cross between Lewis Bradley's tears and John Deep's hands (during 'Tonight'). My choice to go.
Jodie, not her best performance, but great personality.
Ashley, good voice but would have been better if she'd acted with the male dancer. And, Andrew, Without You was Harry Nilsson's song before M. Carey got her hands on it.
Jessie, the best of the night, I thought.
Sorry, just re-read that back, apologise for the dreadful syntax: I meant to say ALW looked as if he wanted to be in his fluffy pink slipper, with a cup of cocoa in his hand. Obviously. Not that he and his slippers should be immersed in cocoa. Not that there wouldn't be entertainment value in the idea...
Congratulations on picking the Grand National winner Scott. So who have you bet on in IDA??
Enjoyed reading your comments on all the Nancies. Agreed with most, but not all.
Niamh - Very much better this week - reminded me of the young Madonna - except that she sings a lot better - Niamh that is...
Cleo - Thought she was good.
Keisha - Sounded breathless to me - either nervous or a smoker, but after having loved her last week I found her very disappointing this week.
Samantha - I was with John on her too. Didnt do it for me at all. And my top choice last week.
Francesca - Wow, what a turnaround. She said she had to nail it, and she certainly did. Fantastic.
Rachel- Not seeing it.
Sarah - Another one I did not rate last week who really delivered this time.
Tara, thought she had a lovely voice, but overacted.
Jodie - loved her.
Ashley - No, didnt think she was all that special.
Jessie - OMG - another revelation. Fantastic.
So my top 2 this week Francesca and Jessie.
Sing off Keisha and Ashley or Sam.
BH gets worse. Just came over as a DOM. All he needs is the raincoat!!!
Scott-Can I shoot (not literally of course) Barry H please? I'm pained to say it, but as John B hasn't fully taken on Zoe's role in ADWD, they need to get Ms 'a bit rubbish' back.
Really liking Samantha right now. She's not only got a beautiful voice but she's damn right gorgeous!
Niamh - All I heard was screaming from her performance/
Cleo - Ok, forgettable but ok.
Keisha - Not as good as last week a bit lack luster.
Samantha - Really liked her tonight, we're rooting for her in my house
Francesca - Billiant performance, loved her this week
Rachel - OTT!
Sarah - Very good and sweet singer just not a nancy
Tara - Good start but too wobbly, the song didn't help
Jodie - Not getting the hype about her
Ashley - Don't mess with Mercy, never pays off
Jessie - Again a great performance.
Jessie and Samantha are my two
I was very impressed with Jessie last night, but Rachel was my favourite. I still like Samantha and Jodie too.
But I'm with you Jo4 about BH - I'm finding him rather annoying - bring back Zoe!
Have just watched the show having been out last night - How we could do with a voice coach on the panel, there is no one technical to guide us on that and whatever else she can do Nancy has to be able to sing. BH is hopeless and I cant see him improving now, he must have been a desparate choice, he adds nothing to the panel, he doesn't give any constructive criticism, leers at the girls and is a total waste of space, maybe thats why JB seemed a bit hacked off (and with good reason). To me those who are NOT Nancy are Tara, Niamh, Keisha, Sarah, Ashley and possibly Samantha - some I'm undecided on - I loved Jessie and thought Franchesca was a lot better but was was Nancy so Gloriously Blond?
I have just watched IDA as had friends in last night.
I think Jessie is far and away the best, to me she had charisma, the looks of a Nancy and she can sing.I thought Francesca gave a good performance, but then she had been given a lovely song, one of my favourites "Someone to love",the others I thought were all much of a muchness.
I agree with other commets about BH, he doesnt bring anything worth while to the show at all, probably be very difficult to get rid off him though.
Another who was out last night, so have just watched the programme. Agree the dresses of some had marginally improved but oh my one or two are still a total disaster! As for BH the least said by me the better,as it has all been said anyway. Perhaps Cameron Mackintosh could come to the rescue!
To the main business of the night I actually liked Francesca last week and she certainly didn't disappoint this week. I don't know if she is Nancy but should definately not be in the singoff this week. Jessie was great liked her much more and think she took the comments from last week and really worked on them. I'm afraid that once again for me Tara is the one that should go, wasn't that impressed with Keisha either.
Just caught up with this.Tara to go (again). liked Francesca and sarah and Jodie(tho not as good as last week). Jessie v. good but agree with Scott didnt think she merited the OTT comments from judges.
BH spoils the show - I find his leering and total inability to make any objective remarks extremely offputting.
Caught this for the first time tonight. Seriously... what does singing songs by Pink and I'm Every Woman have to do with playing Nancy? Crazy.
Absolutely loving Jodie. She has a fantastic voice and an amazing sense of humour. From personal experience I can honestly say she is a very genuine person and will absolutely live up to any expectations of Nancy. Go Jodie!
Having watched last night's show through again I think the BH problem might be solved (given that we are stuck with him) by him appearing as Dame Edna rather than himself - it wouldn't matter about him leering at the girls and nobody would take his comments seriously - he would certainly be vastly more entertaining than he is at present
Watched it at 1am, but unable to comment til now!
Loved Sarah, didn't particularly like Rachel and don't understand all the hype there?
Keisha and Tara in the sing off for me.
I like Jordon as a potential Oliver.
BH????????????
I think Jodie, Jessie, and after tonight maybe Sarah as Nancy, and Gwion for Oliver definately, and I want Francesca to go. She reminds me of LeAnn Rimes too much, both in looks and the way she sings
I've just watched it on recording from last night, so I thought I'd get my omments in before the result show:
Niahm- she's still only a pop star to me.
Cleo- not the strongest voice, but I like her.
Keisha- I don't like the song, but it was a very good performance.
Samantha- Started flat,but got better. Better than last week.
Francesca- I liked her last week, and this time she is GREAT. Voice and performance was ++++++
Of the Olivers I thought best of Sam, Jonny and Lawrence.
It was Chester.(You can't win them all.)
Rachel- Good voice, but she over-acted.
Sarah- What a voice !!!
Tara- Good start, but OMG does she let herself down!
Jodie- she is still one of the best.
Ashley- I don't like the song, and I didn't like the dress!
Jessie- She did a lot with a simple song.
My favourites this weeks: Jessie, Jodie and Sarah.
Go home: Tara, Tara, Tara.
Can someone please strangle BH ?????????
Eva-I agree Tara should go after her performance in the group number in the results show at least, but we'll have to wait for another week.
Don't agree with Cleo being in the sing off. Keisha really pulled it out of the bag in the sing off. I thought she did better than Cleo with the song.
So I agree with ALW (as he said in this song), a surprise to me. Cleo did do well with ALAHNM at the end.
Who are all these people voting for Tara? Agree though with ALW that Keisha was the strongest in the sing off.
Why oh why did Tara get away with that? I do think Cleo should have stayed but must say she hasn't been memorable . However why can't we see more of the acting bit? I thought this last year as well. They go on about the public giving an informed choice, but don't give us sufficient information to do so!
Tara should've been in the sing-off (sadly she also reminds me of BooHoo) rather than Cleo. Admit that Keisha really got it together though. Was v.impressed with Rachel and Sarah in the 'mission' with THAT hunky Mr Sykes!
As an aside, Jessie's 'attitude' face is beginning to bother me... I'll get over it of course..
Had to be Keisha ALW saved after that sing off, just shows how different they are singing musical show songs rather than pop songs.
And so agree with Pauline - they were given an acting task telling us how important their acting skills are - and then they show us the briefest glimpse of each of them acting.
Keisha was best in sing off but should have been Tara who went out as has been poorest 2 weeks running.
Auds - I agree re Jessie - and in acting mission she was very poor.
Shirley2 - fab idea re BH. Wonder if they will take up on that as BH is really really off putting.
Sorry folks but I disagree, Keisha was good in the sing off I admit, but Cleo was better last week and this week and I feel is a better actress (from the very little we've seen!)
I'm going off Jessie a bit but still really liking Sarah, but what do I know??
Hey Ali, you know as much as the rest of us!
Auds I agree with you about Jessie's acting - it irritated me too, though I loved her singing this week, and yes deffinately not enough of the acting being shown.
I prefered Cleo of the two in the sing off, but it should have been Tara there.
Liking the idea of BH being on as Dame Edna!
My thoughts re Tara/Cleo/Keisha are the same as everyone elses - but re the acting there is no time to show us anything much of it as there are the Olivers to fit in, (I cant pick out any boy in particular as we dont see enough of them either, not that I want to see more but I didn't agree with last weeks choise of SF/ist - he didn't look as if he's be able to walk 1 mile to London let alone 100). So the programme is too squashed to enable us to see the Nancy's in any detail on the tasks - or to get to know them better with footage of the Nancy Mansion - which is a shame as the acting is so important. And the accents etc. I hope that this together with the BH effect doesn't put the nail in the coffin for these shows and prevent another.
I agree with most of your comments, especially your views on Tara - she was hugely lucky not to be in the bottom 2.
However, I think you are wrong about Rachel - I thought she was brilliant and already looking like the strongest link in the competition.
(Fuller thoughts on my own blog)
Just caught up with the show, sorry if I'm a bit boring but it's still Jessie for me, can't think of anything to add to the above comments, agree with most of them, especially about Tara.
If we have to continue to put up with BH, then bring on Dame Edna, although I can't say that would placate me much.
I agree with Shirley2's last comment, and wouldn't like to see the end of these shows just yet.
I have to say that I don't see all the hype about Jessie or Jodie - both are fantastic singers but can they act?? Is this not what we need for Nancy?? Even Denise said last night that Jessie 'was all over the place' and that Jodie 'dissapointed her'during the acting task. I was however really impressed by Ashley - I think she could be a dark horse - hopefully we will get to see more of her. I'm still not sure about Rachel - did she overact that song or not?? Sarah - great voice but not Nancy!!
i think cleo going out was so wrong, keisha is good but seems to be developing a SERIOUS attitude problem and big head!!
Niamh was lovely
Sarah, Francesca and Jessie wow
Sam I think is totslly over rated. I think John hit the nail on the head with his comments and on saturday night she looked really young. Her voice is good but she couldnt even remember her words in the acting task! 8 shows a week? Im not convinced....
Tara should have gone
I love Jodie and thought she did a wicked job!Also enjoyed Ashley's peformance!
I think Niamh looks like that blond girl from american beauty:p