Apologies again for the delay in this week’s review — the bank holiday and dodgy internet connections conspired against me this week.
As with previous weeks, the BBC’s YouTube videos are now available in a handy compilation player, which will automatically play all the main performances from Saturday and Sunday’s shows in their correct order.
This week, all the girls were coached for their performances by Andrew Lloyd Webber himself. And for all his mugging and ham-fisted attempts at humour on the judging panel, here it showed him excelling at his day job — getting the best out of the seven remaining Nancies. As a result, we ended up with seven strong (although not flawless) performances, and a cracking show to boot.
First up this week was Jodie, singing Luck Be A Lady from Guys and Dolls. Normally sung by a man, she wisely chose to ignore that and just sang it with the right amount of gusto, reining her natural ebullience that tends to come to the fore in uptempo numbers. I did notice her voice getting a little strained at times, and I wonder if she’s really over the throat infection of a few weeks ago.
Second to sing this week was Sarah, with what I thought was a touching rendition of an extremely tough song. The point of view of the lyric flits about so much that it really requires some great vocal work to get the true story across, and I thought Sarah managed really well. The judges were split, though: Barry wasn’t sure her understated performance would work in a theatre. Which is a particularly daft thing to say: she took direction from Andrew, who recognised that the song must work for a TV studio audience as well as down a camera lens, and for that it was perfect. A performance intended for live theatre may well have been directed differently — although, as John stated, it still would have worked.
Next, up Rachel performed a big band, cabaret-style version of Stevie Wonder’s For Once In My Life. I’ve been critical in the past few weeks of Rachel’s inability to scale down her performance to work on the small screen. She didn’t this week, either — if anything, she ramped it up. But that was what the rendition of the song deserved, and to be honest this was the first week I’ve really warmed to her as a performer.
Samantha was next, singing the mambo classic Sway in this week’s most highly choreographed number (bar Ashley’s, but we’ll come to that later). If there were any doubt that Sam could cope with singing and dancing at the same time, it was dispelled with this performance, as she sashayed and swayed while still delivering a really good vocal line.
This week’s interlude with the Olivers saw them getting to grips with the basketball dancing as part of the High School Musical stage show. Perhaps sensibly, the studio performance was prop free, as they performed Breaking Free from the same musical. Perhaps it’s a little bit of my own bias creeping in here — of both the HSM movies, this is my least favourite song of the lot — but it seemed a more lacklustre performance from the boys this week than we’ve got used to. A number of the boys had tuning problems on their solo lines, and a couple of them who seemed to be so strong at the start of the run of live shows also seemed to be struggling with the choreography. It must be tough learning two new routines every week — a very different prospect from performing a long run as Oliver. Still, I’m glad that Harry got picked for the finals this week, as he’s been one of the most consistently strong boys.
Back to the Nancies, and last week’s sing-off survivor Niamh was given one of my favourite Gershwin numbers, They Can’t Take That Away From Me. It was a great performance, although in the first verse, the low pitch of “tea” and “off-key” caused her problems, and an higher notes she had a tendency to squeak. But those slight negatives aside, it was a strong, defiant performance that really showed why she deserved to be saved last week.
Next up, Jessie was given Judy Garland’s classic The Man That Got Away from A Star is Born. This was one of those occasions where I look back on my notes and realise I’ve not made any — it was a performance that demanded our full attention. It was a far, far better performance than we’re used to seeing from Jessie — and while Sunday’s acting task still showed she has a long way to go, she has shown that, at least while singing, she has the ability there. It just needs a lot of training to get that same ability running through her non-singing performances too.
The last of the solo performances fell to Ashley this week, as she sang Big Spender from the musical Sweet Charity. Of course, most people know it as a brassy solo number as popularised by Shirley Bassey rather than the chorus number it started out as. Ashley’s natural predilection for the comic came to the fore here, with a performance in a cod American accent that owed a lot to the original Fosse choreography without ever acquiring its quirky charm and wit. Still, the recreation of the original dancers’ stances allowed her to use her usual knock-kneed stance without it seeming out of place. While it was a pleasant performance and good to see Ashley more comfortable, I do also think it ended up as one of the weakest of the evening — but not by much.
In the results show, the “big acting task” we were promised last week proved to be not quite as big as all that. Reading a few scenes off script, from Lionel Bart’s Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be and Blood Brothers, didn’t really give any further clues to the Nancies’ abilities as actresses beyond what we’ve already seen. Still, their performance of the title song from Bart’s show (sadly not available on YouTube) was a great group performance.
The Olivers, tasked with the choice of picking one of the seven Nancies to perform with them on Together from Gypsy, picked Sarah. And she worked really well with them. While I agree with the judges that she has a tendency to come across as more Mary Poppins than Nancy, here I think she showed that she could work perfectly well as the mother/big sister figure to Oliver, Dodger and the rest of Fagin’s boys.
However, shen it came to the public vote, Andrew had to choose between Sarah and Rachel, the two most experienced actresses out of the seven remaining. After a heartbreaking rendition of As If We Never Said Goodbye from Sunset Boluevard (one of my favourite ALW songs), Andrew chose to save Rachel. Which, on the basis of casting for Nancy, I think was probably the right choice, although I think there are others still in the competition who would be a better fit for the role.
Overall I thought it was a very strong weak for all the girls. ALW work with them must have payed off.
Jessie's performance seemed to be the highlight as she had a perfect balance of vocal quality alongside great acting.
ALW seems to really favour Jessie! The best Musical Theatre performance he's seen from a girl her age! She must be a happy bunny!
Saturday night was a great show, with fantastic performances.
However, for me SAMANTHA really stood out and showed her real leading lady potential. She's a fantastic dancer, a wonderful singer and has great acting ability. Out of all the girls I believe she has the most complete package and a real likeability factor. If she was Nancy I think she would attract a new youthful audience to the Theatre, she rocks!! I'll definely be booking my tickets if she wins!
Saturday night was a great show, with fantastic performances.
However, for me Samantha really stood out and showed her real leading lady potential. She's a fantastic dancer, a wonderful singer and has great acting ability. Out of all the girls I believe she has the most complete package and a real likeability factor. If she was Nancy I think she would attract a new youthful audience to the Theatre, she rocks!! I'll definely be booking my tickets if she wins!
Really enjoyed Saturday night - really showcased everyone's strengths.
I think they should continue to perform musical theatre numbers/big band style songs, as this is definitely what they're more comfortable with and fits in with the style of Oliver!
As a bit of a geek who is bored at work, I've got a list of MT songs I reckon they should do (take note, ALW)
Niamh - Naughty Baby (Crazy For You). Niamh's got a bit of a twinkle in her eye and I think this would showcase her naughty, playful side more.
Ashley - There's a Fine, Fine Line (Avenue Q).
Ashley's best when singing softer songs, and this is a really sweet, mature song. It would give her a chance to show some subtle acting as it's about loving someone, but having the strength to walk away.
Jessie - If I Could (The Hired Man)
Not really known, but she could sing this beautifully. The character would suit her well. A lot of acting involved in this song.
Jodie - Not That Girl (Wicked)
She always sings quite ballsy songs, and the judges aren't sure she can be vulnerable. I think this'll give her a chance to show that side.
Rachel - Diva's Lament (Spamalot)
Rachel (to me) always seems a little 'distant.' With a song like this where she's poking fun at herself, she could really show her comic/warmer side.
Sam - Only He (Starlight Express)
Sam always seems really young to me, so a song where she's playing a mature, confident woman would work well, I think.
Right. I really have to stop being a geek and get back to work....
The performances on Saturday night were all a notch up and I enjoyed the show the most so far.
Agree with most of what you've said Scott with one or two exceptions.
Jessie was amazing and really shone, but it is a great song!
I know I must seem to have the knives out for Ashley, but for me she is the weakest of the remaining girls, and I really hope she isn't just surviving on a sympathy vote, as I think her career could be damaged if she got the part.
Now for the bit I don't agree with!
I just don't get Rachel, I find her performances over the top and in fact a bit boring! However when she was in the sing off with Sarah I just knew Sarah would go. The panel all love Rachel, obviously they see something I don't. Not at all happy with this. I had Sarah as one of the top three, my only reservation about her was that she was a bit to wholesome for Nancy. I thought she had the best voice in the competition and it was a travesty that she was in the bottom two. I'm sure her song was to blame for that, shame her performance with the Olivers wasn't seen before the voting lines closed as she was terrific with them. Maybe she was a victim of people thinking she was safe and not voting for her. Whatever the reason I don't think she should have gone.
Its been a long time coming but IDA has finally got to me after the Saturday show and I now CARE who wins! Nice to see ALW working with the girls and I thought they all did great performances and upped their games tonight but Jessie WOW WOW WOW - those who know me know that after Nancy Nancy left for Les Mis that Jessie has always been my favourite but she had seemed to stagnate until tonight and I was losing faith BUT - It was a real Paint It Black momemt, goose bumps and all - I was in tears - better than anything and everything that had been done the whole IDA series and its awakened my interest in the show (I had been losing the will to live rather). Now its just the acting to work on (I think she was the one DVO said didn't yet convince as an East End girl). As for the others - I dont care now although the standard is very high. Rachel and Sam could be clones of each other but Sam has more personality, Rachel seems bland to me. Jodie can be irritating and Sara is too sweet. Ashley & Niamh for the sing-off.
Post Results Show - Well how wrong was I? I dont know who is voting to keep Ashley in but they are very misguided. I'm not surprised Rachel was in the sing-off as she does nothing for me but if she's not getting the votes she should go soon. BUT as I said I'm delighted Jessie did so well and she was even (surprisingly) a hit with the acting mission so I'm a happy bunny. To me she has that rough edge, the others are quite polished. OK she doesn't have any experience but she has 5 months to learn and unlike Maria and Joseph it is only one of the leading roles so she doesn't have to carry the whole show. As long as she keeps going I dont care much about the others. I'm going as I've booked to go in March with the usual coach party but certainly dont want to see Rachel in it and now that Jessie's performance has made me CARE, its her I want to see. Not enough to spend money voting until the final, however, as I believe ALW will save her up till then if she's in the sing-off. I wonder if he got rid of Sarah tonight as he felt she was more of a threat to Jessie than Rachel! Postscript: Denise and JOhn both agreed in the Cookery programme today that the final would be (in no particular order) Jessie, Jodie & Rachel.....
I loved this weeks show. I think all the girls did a fantastic job.
My favourite of the night was Jessie. As always she delivered the song fantastically. Dhe emotion was there in the voice and the acting. she performed beautifully.
I think that Ashley is very good but I can not personally warm to her voice. if she could do a repeat of the song from 'mama mia' then I could grow to like her.
Jodie is good but i am finding it really hard to see her vunrable side. I'm not convinced she would deliver this side of nancy.
Sam handled song and dance very well but I don't enjoy her performances. I think she has alot of potential but I can't put my finger on what it is that is making me feel a little distant from her.
Shirley2 - what was the cookery show they were on?
Sarah - it was 'Ready Steady Cook' BBC2 today 4.30pm
Saturday show
Group song at start, Jodie stood out. Sarah, for me, did not have the right sound for Nancy.
Oh my, ALW has borrowed Paul McCartney’s hair dye in the week. Looks terrible. In the bit working with Jodie and Sarah he had his normal colour. With all his money you’d think he’d get something more natural.
Jodie-What was up with the top bit of her dress? Nice colour for her. Good interpretation of the song. Very dramatic.
Sarah-Sorry ALW your direction of the song did not do it for me. And she’s borrowed Ashley’s flappy arms. Yes, she can sing, but.......
BH has identified it, limited range of expressions, yes that’s what it is for me.
Rachel-Best dress with best fit seen on the series so far. Looked awkward with the movements, bit jerky. Screechy on some of the notes.
Samantha-This dress looked good too, have they changed the makers? Very good movement, song was well delivered too. I liked it. Dimples are still having the ‘Chris teeth’ effect on me.
Niamh-Liked it, but some of the notes sounded off.
Jessie-Wow, loved it. Tingles up arm.
Ashley- From the sublime to the ridiculous. She does not move naturally. Flapping arms again at one point. No, no, no.
Best solo song for me Jessie, followed by Samantha. Jodie is still the Nancy for me, she always stands out in the group songs.
Results show
(Oh why BBC, do you make us wait for the results. We know it was recorded on Saturday.)
Ashley did quite well in ‘Fings an’t wot they used to be.’
Sarah did well with the Olivers, as the song needed her smiley face.
Sarah and Rachel in the sing off (spoilers were right). Now, I’ve never taken to Rachel, not positive or negative. Sarah, she has a good voice, for me she is just not Nancy.
Poor Sarah has taken Ashley’s flappy arms again. Good voice. Rachel has matched Sarah for voice and has more natural mannerisms. I’d save Rachel (btw worked out why I’ve never really liked Rachel, she looks like a grumpy girl from work). ALW saves Rachel. I’m sure Sarah will get work elsewhere as she has a good voice, just too sweet for Nancy.
Scott-We were worried, thought you might be ill. Glad it was only your connection that was sick.
Saturday night.
Here is the result from the Norwegian Jury:
In the first group song you could hear Jodie's voice soaring over the others in the beginning,- in a good way!
Jodie : She delivered in spades. A difficult song for her rich voice.
Sarah : She was even better! I totally disagree with BH.
Rachel : She is good (OUCH ! there was a bad break in the voice), but she doesn't move me!
Samantha: For the first time I really enjoyed her performance. She danced beautifully and her voice really suited that song.
The Olivers are all adorable, and Harry is the next one to stay.
Niahm : Why don't I like her voice? There is something contrived about it.
Jessie : Pheeeew! She gave me a Ny Ny moment. She's almost scary!
Ashley : Shirley Bassey she ain't! She looked petulant, not sexy!
Tonight Jessie was THE STAR, with Sarah and Jodie following closely.
Bottom Ashley and Niahm.
Sunday night.
What the hell is going on? I can't believe Sarah and Rachel was in the sing off, and that ALW saved Rachel ! This week I'm the angry one. I'm mad as hell at the voting public and at ALW. Sarah fragile? I don't know where he get it from. Rachel rock solid? Oh well, if it's a safe bet they want, maybe Rachel will do OK, but a star? Never !!!!
These are the comments I made on Saturday and Sunday, and I haven't changed my mind. I'm still furious, and I think like most viewers wonder what the heck ALW's agenda is.
...and I echo what Eva said!!
Did anyone else get caught out by Sunday's change of time ? - we missed the first half.
Again moan, why don't they let us see enough of the acting to judge for ourselves ?
Jessie's cockney accent is still dreadful - they'll have to do a lot of intensive work with her, if she does get the part. But it was nice to see when uses her real accent that she can act.
Jodie does a very impreesive cockney for a Northern lass.
Rachel was showing off again in the Blood Brothers section by doing it in Liverpuddlian rather than straight like the rest of the girls. When DvO was speaking about her, she some good things and was about to do a BUT - then it was cut... mmmm.
If they are relying on Rachel as a "safe pair of hands", they must be worried that she was bottom 2 at this stage. I agree with evryone else - bland, bland, bland !
I'm obviously alone in thinking Sam was a bit off-key in places - though her overall performance was great.
Ashley was saved by having a good crowd-pleaser song. She performed well, though still find her voice harsh.
Sorry to see Sarah go - the song choice did it - it's not really a song that a young woman is ever going to be convincing singing.
First I agree with Scott - all good performances this week. I'm still bitter about Sarah. I'm sure it's a stitch up - she did well on that song BUT it's meant for an older man (am I allowed to say usually a b**** person's song as in S. Davis Jnr)to sing - not fair. The public always vote for show-stoppers. Sarah is sweet but has the best voice and has real dignity and professionalism. I bet she could have pulled off a Nancy performance given the chance. But I think they want a new raw talent this time (role not lead) for publicity and to silence the 'professionals always winning' moaners. Rachel is safe back-up but Sarah has more heart and appeal in my opinion - that's why the boys chose her.
I think the panel like Rachel because she is consistant and very professional. A good match for theatre work. But for me, I struggle to connect with her performances and am wondering if many other people agree?
TeeJay,- I think most complains about Rachel is that although she is a good singer and actress, she doesn't have the IT-factor, that special quality that makes you sit up and take notice. That is why we are lukewarm. As you say, no connection.
Thought the work ALW did with the girls paid off in improved performances.
I still like Jodie best all round and for me she does show her vulnerable side e.g. Send In The Clowns.
Samantha managed the singing and dancing far better this time.
Rachel never gives a poor performance, but neither does she excite me.
Jessie gave the standout performance of the night but she had the best song.
Ashley does nothing for me.
Niamh is a star in the making.
Horrified by the results - Ashley should have been in the singoff.
This week's blog is currently not archived - not appearing on "I'd do anything recent posts". An effect of the pc problems earlier this week?
I commented late on week 7 blog having failed to find this one. I agree with consensus that expectation based on excellent performances all gave on Saturday (well done ALW on upping all their standards), was that nevertheless Ashley and Niamh were most likely to be in sing-off. When it turned out to be Rachel and Sarah I wondered how close are these results separating top from bottom? Any of the competitors could be in bottom two if Rachel and Sarah ended up there.
I'll be disappointed if JB and DVO are right in their prognosis of a Jodie, Jessie, Rachel final. To avoid it though it could take two of them ending up in a sing off requiring ALW to lose one. Clearly he doesn't use his veto just on sing-off performance, but on his personal preference of who he wishes to see in the final. It is like a game of German Whist where he wants to end up with the best hand - which is of course what he is supposed to be doing, but the question is when he makes up his mind as to what the 'best hand' is.
I have a suspicion that (from his comments), just as he saved Niamh, if Sam ended in a sing-off he would save her, but of course I hope Sam isn't put into that situation.
@Pimms: Thanks for pointing out the omission. Should be fixed now.