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This week the Australian Idol contestants tackled the music of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. He might have gone a little wacko over the years, but it’s impossible to deny the genius of his musical output. Our Idols showed they were up to the challenge with some exceptional performances.Even guest judge Jermaine Jackson thought so!
Teale Jakubenko kicked things off with a sultry version of “Billie Jean.” It took me a little while to warm to this as it was a carbon copy of the rendition American Idol winner David Cook did earlier this year. But by the end he had me. Teale’s voice is getting better and better, and he brought an emotional intensity that really tapped into the lyric.
Next up we had self-confessed Jacko fan Mark Spano with a song he felt reflected his personality rather than his ability: “Bad.” The problem with this song is that the verses tend to operate on one level. The choruses really kicked, but by the time they came in most people had already changed channel or started a conversation.
Chrislyn Hamilton was ambitious, taking on the monster hit “Thriller.” It was always going to be a big ask, and she just didn’t have what it took to carry this off. There wasn’t quite enough energy, and combined with some pitch problems a great song became a little lacklustre.
Luke Dickens followed with a very smart choice: a bluesy cover of “The Way You Make Me Feel.” When I saw he’d picked this pop classic I was really nervous, but his rootsy makeover was right in the pocket. He took a risk here but it definitely paid off. For a man who was a sheep shearer a few months ago, his musical instincts astound me.
Wes Carr closed the night with a showstopping version of “Black or White.” This is what a Michael Jackson song should be: pure unadulterated fun. He held nothing back here and I reveled in it. I actually gave him a standing ovation in my lounge room. There are not enough superlatives to describe how good this was.
We’re really getting to the pointy end of the competition, and I’m a little worried Mark Spano won’t be around to see it. Chrislyn didn’t have her finest performance either, but as the only girl left she might be given another chance. All will be revealed tomorrow night on the verdict show!
Image source: Tipoyock @ Flickr
God I hope Mark doesn’t go tonight! Teale MUST go!!!!
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I agree with you about Mark Todd … he’s been one of my favourites since the start and his version of Angie last week was superb. But at this point I’m not sure Mark could afford an off week … we’ll see! Teale did so much better, but we all know these things aren’t just based on performance week to week!
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Wes will be very hard to beat but my heart lies with Luke. What a true Aussie talent.
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MICHAEL JACKSON IS THE KING OF POP! HE IS A MUSICAL GENIUS! HE IS THE MOST AWARDED MAN IN HISTORY AND PRODUCED THE HIGHEST SELLING ALBUM OF ALL TIME!
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