Just pretend we don’t know what happened, while I run through it for you, looking for pointers as to why we lost quite possibly the strongest vocalist. (Aside from the fact that I didn’t vote!)
The Reprise - Who Will Buy? Samantha and Jessie sounding and moving with aplomb after the positive responses on their individual numbers. Flashback to the show and it’s all in the look - Andrew isn’t keen after Sarah’s performance whereas with Sam he can’t stop smiling and then with Jessie - rapture. Ashley would‘ve been gone right there. The curse of Barry Humphries? You don’t need scary music, frankly.
Down the East End, in the real Queen Vic with Babs Windsor and Denise - Jodie sounds the part, as does Jessie, very emotional; Ashley, surprisingly good. A pointer there, as Denise is concerned about Sarah’s acting - a strength in previous tasks.
Fings Ain’t What They Used To Be: Sam very strong, Jessie with renewed confidence in being herself.
Those cheeky Olivers, making the Nancys wait - they’ve chosen Sarah, a real boost which would make Andrew’s decision all the harder to accept. Good, fun performance together - I can see about her size though - she’s not much bigger than the boys - does she have the presence required?
The Sunset Boulevard song - group coaching. Andrew makes it even tougher for himself to choose when the time comes; his own song and expectations thereof.
The panel all disagree who shouldn’t be Nancy: John - Jodie (surprising) Denise - Sarah (second indication from her of shock to come) Barry - Ashley (predictable, Ashley now bracing herself).
Jodie, safe - isn’t she just the spit of her mum? Samantha, safe; Jessie, safe; Sarah - sing off! OMG - confirmation of Denise’s hints; Rachel, Ashley and Niamh brought forwards - two safe, one not - Niamh, safe; Ashley, convinced it’s her - SAFE! Rachel crushed, incredulous (the public don’t like that sort of attitude, Sarah gave a tiny hint of it at Barry’s comments after her performance.) Is this the dreaded sympathy vote - assuming the Sarahs are safe to vote for someone the panel have a down on? The public were almost caught out over Alesha in SCD, you’d think they’d have learned their lesson.
But what a shocker! The panel’s favourite, Rachel, lowest with the public (we’ve seen similar in SCD, of course, but it’s unusual). On this show, Andrew has definitely favoured Rachel, but will he save her? And I thought it was my imagination but there didn’t seem to be the same warmth between Andrew and Sarah as he had with the other girls during their session. He’s changed his mind on us before though and he seems to be struggling; I’ve got tears in my eyes - they both sang beautifully. He’s gone for who he feels will do a better overall job - he’s the master, who am I to argue? I do love Sarah’s voice; maybe it just wasn’t raw enough for the part of Nancy as they see it. That bubbliness they coached out of her possibly cost her the public affection - we like warm and bubbly, don’t we. She’s learned the hard way something Jessie had the chance to correct - staying true to yourself. In a closed audition, yes, adhere to the panel and judges but this was a public vote, so - how can I say this politely? I know, I shan’t bother - sod the panel!
And don’t blame your selection of Mr. Bojangles, Andrew - blame the fact that you coaxed great performances from all the girls, making it tough for the audience. If I’m completely truthful, none of the girls have yet convinced me they’re right for the part - I wonder, are the panel regretting any of their choices when whittling down to the final twelve?
Game on!
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