Theme For Week: ROCK
Guest Judge: 
Suzi Quatro
Voted Out After Last week: Ashleigh Toole
The evening started off with a bang, well… perhaps it was a soft and quiet bang, (let’s face it, Suzie’s not really a Spring chicken anymore) as guest judge Suzi Quatro took to the stage and performed her single from 1974 (yes, 1974) “Devil Gate Drive” and, well there’s nothing quite like someone old enough to be my mother clad in leader performing live on national television…
You’d think that, perhaps, maybe, with a number of Australian rock bands out there we may actually have been able to have an australian ROCK performance rather than a flashback to Happy Days, a show that most of the girls watching this performance wouldn’t even know existed.
If this is ROCK then hand me my walking cane and send me to bed early…
Why didn’t the producers invite Grinspoon, who’s new album
I promise, I’ll try not to rant too much this week.
Elimination:
This year’s format will see one person being eliminated each week prior to the rest of the group performing, this will mean that each week one person would have practiced and got dressed ready to sing but instead will be sent home. It’ll also mean no Monday night show, no group performances and no painful drawn out eliminations…
The bottom three this week were:
Casey, Ashleigh and Tim.
Dicko: It’s always really tough. I don’t want to single anyone out, but I think that Ashleigh has been hard done by, she hasn’t put a foot wrong yet and doesn’t deserve to be there. Not saying that you guys do, but it’s hard on her.
Marcia: I have to totally agree with Dicko, Ashleigh, you’re so incredibly focused and you’re so incredible, I really hope that this isn’t the end of your journey, the other two, I love you guys too, so good luck.
Jay-Dee: I think that with such a diverse bunch of performers this year this will be an incredibly tough competition. I think you guys have done well up until now, let’s see how it goes.
Before the advert break Tim is told that he’s safe and is sent back stage leaving both Casey and Ashleigh to stand on stage awaiting the news.
After the break Ashleigh is told that she’s the one heading home, and a bitterly disjointedness Ashleigh tells everyone that this has been an incredible journey for her, and that she’s learned so much here and that this won’t be the end of her, she’ll keep on going.
Ashleigh’s story is told on screen for one last time showing her Idol journey over the last 5 months.
Ashleigh is sent off singing her song from last week : Miss Independent
Jay-Dee: This is my first ever Idol Shock.
Dicko: I knew that someone had to be going home tonight, but not Ashleigh…
Marcia: I think of you guys all day. My memory of you when I think of you is you sitting in the dressing room oh so focused. This is only the beginning.
—–
Hayley Warner
Song Choice: Misery Business
Commentary:
Hayley seems to have relaxed lots over the last couple of weeks and it’s doing her wonders. This is a great way to start off the night, a good and slightly left field song choice which suits her.
Performance wise her vocals were pretty spot on for the most part with only a couple patchy areas. she covered the stage really well and was dressed to impress with her ripped blue jeans and blue vest.
Good way to start the night and I think she may have won a few fans.
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
*Clapping and smiling…*
The producers will tell you that I always dread rock week as I’m a massive rock fan and we don’t always do it justice. For you to start the night like that was just awesome. I found it hard to put a lid on it just watching that. I just wanted to stand up and do some really bad dad dancing, you are becoming so believable.
Marcia’s Comments:
You’re a fine performer, with a lot of tlc and guidance you came out here and rocked it out and took over the stage. you rocked it out, well done.
Suzi’s comments:
you had the energy, you had the look and you had the attitude.
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
Keep doing what you’re doing, that’s it.
——-
Casey Barnes
Song Choice: I’m Not Over
Commentary:
Is it just me or does Casey seem to clean and forced to do something like this?
Vocally he’s good, but nowhere near as surprising as Hayley. He lacks performance and believability on stage at the moment.
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
We have needled Casey, we want more edge and more energy. Physically you were absolutely there tonight. I don’t think you have a natural rock voice, I think you are far better with melody.. That was a really good physical and committed performance.
Marcia’s Comments:
that was the most un-nice that I’ve seen you, which is a good thing. When you bend your body you loose a lot of power. Stand up, stand tall, be frightening.
Suzi’s Comments:
You didn’t grow with it. Make the audience come to you, build it. I like your shirt.
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
I’m still not believing. I don’t think you’ve grown from week to week yet. Please pull something out that knocks me against the wall.
——-
Kate Cook
Song Choice: Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Commentary:
This is more screaming in tune than singing, but I guess that’s really how the song was originally performed by JET.
I’ll give Kate one thing, she gets on stage with the mindset that she’s going to have fun, and she does, and it seems to be catchy, the judges seem to get into it as well. Me? Well, I’m not going to fork over any money to hear her sing, but yeah I can see she’s enjoying it.
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
Word of warning, you’re not going to pick up a nice girl with a song like that. Beware… You’ve been doing heritage rock, country music, so this is out of your comfort zone. I would have liked to have seen you do something that’s a little more in your genre because I don’t think that alternative rock is your thing. I felt a bit uncomfortable watching it. you committed to is as you normally do, a solid effort.
Marcia’s Comments:
The best thing about your performance tonight, I loved it because you worked the stage like a true rock artist.
Suzi’s Comments:
You pulled back on your scream, never be polite, mean it, when you scream, scream. the audience likes you, they warm to you.
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
This isn’t your natural genre, I can see that, I loved your commitment in the performance. Great job.
——-
Nathan Brake
Song Choice: Second Chance
Commentary:
Suzi’s advice to Nathan was to be himself, to be real and be open to being vulnerable, to not be theatrical without a reason (the motions without the belief).
On stage he decides to be simple and direct, standing still with his microphone for most of the performance before letting it go and walking to the front of stage near the end of the song as it built up.
Vocally he’s still a bit clean for rock, but this kind of pop-rock would probably suit him really well and his voice.
Good performance, possibly a little more honest than in previous weeks.
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
You are very theatrical and you do come from that area, I’m now getting to the point where I think don’t worry about it, just turn it up. As with all artists you’ve just got to find your truth and if that’s your truth then just turn it up.
Marcia’s Comments:
That’s the most real that I’ve seen you. Don’t be scared to be yourself, you did a great job.
Suzi’s Comments:
You were doing nothing but strong singing, and because of what I told you you were showing nothing but vulnerability, do you know how powerful that is? You did a great job.
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
Still very theatrical for me but you committed to the performance. Just forget the rest and it’ll get even greater.
——-
Toby Moulton
Song Choice: Starlight
Commentary:
MUSE!!!???? Last week it was Radiohead, now it’s Muse!!!??
I’m having Damien Leith flashbacks…
At least he’s singing in tune, the higher notes do suit him though, but i can’t help but thinking that he’s wandering through my ipod playlist in order to ruin all my favourite music.
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
When we decide an artist is ready for the market we look for an entry point, and that entry point has to be very deliberate. What I would say to you is that for the second week running you’ve chosen a left of field song, last week it was Radiohead, this week it was Muse. I don’t really think that you’re going to progress and grow in this competition just by singing through your cd collection. women around this country like you, they think you’re fantastic and heartland Australia needs some romantic pop-rock and I don’t think you’re meeting them half way with your song choices, they’re just too obscure.
Marcia’s Comments:
But you chose the song to sing and you did it very well.
Suzi’s Comments:
Thankyou for doing that nice long bend on that note, I told you to take your time, well done. I like the stillness in you. I would have liked to see you use that microphone as a prop, use it as a lover. You could have been quite sexy with that microphone. You have a really good range. Well done.
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
I thought you did a really good job this week. And I don’t want to talk to you this week, I want to talk to Dicko… Never mind the bollocks, just do what you want to do and do it well.
——-
Tim Johnston
Song Choice: Jumping Jack Flash
Commentary:
Tim is oh so not rock…
And singing the Rolling Stones?
Personally, the song choice was a crap one, the performance had me cringing all the way through and, while he’s a nice guy (apparently) he’s no Idol…
I’ll just go add him to my bottom 3 right now shall I?
*edit* I’ve just listened to the Judges, did we just see the same performance?
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
You look like you have a bit of a glow about you, like you’ve had your rock cherry popped or something, there’s no going back. Great effort.
Marcia’s Comments:
Now that’s what I’m talking about. You stood up there and you told the story and you did a great job. Woo
Suzi’s comments:
Thankyou for doing that. you hit those notes and you showed what you could do. That was what it was about, light and shade.
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
I think that Suzi saved a train wreck, that’s my opinion. what she did was took that song and put it into your comfort zone and you rocked the house.
——-
Sabrina Batshon
Song Choice: Numb
Commentary:
Sabrina is a female Meatloaf, so over the top, so theatrical and extremely painful.
I’m beginning to think that she’s bought the Young talent time advice hook line and sinker, oh god I hope she doesn’t win this competition.
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
You do feel your music, and that’s been my criticism of you has been that you’re too over dramatic it’s like every chorus with you is like some major international incident. But do you know what, I’m not going to fight it any longer, if that is your truth then bring it on, more nuttiness, more tears, more rage and I think there are too many beige people, so if that’s where you are then bring it on.
Marcia’s Comments:
there’s very little that you’ve done on Idol that I’ve not liked. Suzie taught you that it’s light and shade, diminish when you can, when it’s G-force all the time it’s just too much, well done.
Suzi’s Comments.
You blew me away.
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
If I could I’d stand up and applaud you tonight, everything in that performance worked, you felt that. You felt it tonight and I felt you. well done.
——-
James Johnston
Song Choice: Thnks fr th Mmrs
Commentary:
It’s like watching the Jonas Brothers without two of them…
That being said…
This was probably a good choice for him, and at least this year’s contestants are choosing decent songs to sing.
He looked a little uncomfortable at times, but he did well, good vocals, good use of stage and the chicks (under 16 chicks) dig him.
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
I didn’t think you could do this, you’ve been traveling well. I though it’d be a banana skin for many of you, I didn’t think your voice would be punchy enough to do that. But Suzi has done something with a lot of you tonight. She’s made you walk the walk. It’s lifted your confidence,. I’ve not seen you command a performance or an audience that well so far. well done.
Marcia’s Comments:
Suzi has made you all believe in what you’re singing. Commitment is what it’s called, well done.
Suzi’s Comments:
Well done, (and some advice on how to get the crowd clapping with you). You used that rough edge and boy did you enjoy it.
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
Cool T-shirt, I think you did well, I think you got through it. That wasn’t your natural genre but I think you did it well. Well done.
——-
Scott Newnham
Song Choice: American Woman
Commentary:
Oh dear…
Oh dear…
Starting out the performance by laying on the ground behind moving images of the American flag was a bit over the top..
Vocally he struggled, it was noticeable.
Performance wise, cliche.
He was confidant though, pity it didn’t translate.
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
All the chicks love you, both Australian and American. You’re a beginner amongst a bunch of professionals. You have to work twice as hard as these kids just to keep up. What I saw tonight was a slap-dash pedestrian performance and you can’t afford that. I’d like to think that you are working every waking hour just to keep up because you have a great natural talent but don’t let it fall by the wayside.
Marcia’s Comments:
To the band: The bottom end of that was slamming. Well done.
the most important thing, I think every time you stand on stage it’s a new experience for you and I give you props for that.
I don’t think you’re slack, I just think that this week was so out of your comfort zone, more than anyone else tonight and you did a great job.
Suzi’s comments:
I liked what you did on the intro.
I think you would benefit immensely by standing in front of the mirror and performing. Get more comfortable with you. Trust yourself a little bit more.
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
I can relate to where you are. I applaud you for bringing the decks on. Hard week for you, yeah sure. Just keep practicing.
——-
Kim Cooper
Song Choice: I Want You to Want Me
Commentary:
Kim looks confidant and beautiful on stage, my only criticism is I hate the accent she puts into the vocals. Energetic, commanding, fun, joyful…
Good vocals, good use of the cameras, good use of the stage.
Nice legs
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
Kim… don’t listen to what these ladies are saying with their daft puritanical advice, if you want to bend over you bend over girl, honestly! You have a great pop sensibility, that’s why I was so thrilled that you were in the top 12. You choose really interesting songs or great well known pop songs and do your own twist on them. You’re really exciting, well done.
Marcia’s Comments:
Was that scream for Suzi, it sounded fantastic. The only thing I’m gonna tell you is that you’ve got a dress on, when you’ve got a dress on, stay a lady. I’m so serious. Keep it all together whan you’re wearing a dress, well done…
Suzi’s Comments:
Thankyou for doing that slow look for me. You took it on a journey, you built it up. The first thing my mother said to me on stage was “do you have to stand on stage with your legs apart?”
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
I just want to say that your voice surprised me tonight, I saw more come out of it than I’ve seen before. that was through some great coaching, keep up that level. keep doing what you’re doing. Well done.
——-
Stan Walker
Song Choice: Nothing Else Matters
Commentary:
Huh?
This night just gets weirder, now Stan’s singing Metallica!
He does it well though, his pitch is ok as are his vocals.
It’s just a weird song choice, but really was one of the few performers tonight who really pushed himself to a different level. Props to him for that.
Now, if we could get rid of that NZ accent…
Judges Comments:
Dicko’s Comments:
If you had told me 6 weeks ago that you would have been believable singing a Metallica song I would have laughed. But there you are, and not only being believable but being awesome with it as well. the difference in that performance was that it had discipline. You just let it go. Well done.
Marcia’s Comments:
Stan, when you perform with so much believability nothing else does matter. Well done.
Suzi’s Comments:
I saw you, I certainly felt you, you were connecting here. I liked that you took it down low. I liked that you let anger out there, you did a really really good interpretation of that tonight, really good.
Jay-Dee’s Comments:
I love your voice. Your performance up until now has been a little shaky, but the power of stillness that you delivered tonight just let everything breathe and the emotion wash over me as the listener and the audience. Great job, fantastic look tonight.
——-
My Top Three Performances For The Night (in no order):
Stan
Kim
Hayley
My Bottom Three Performances For The Night:
Tim
Sabrina
Scott
Favourite For Being Eliminated From This Week:
Scott
Next Week’s theme: Top Ten Hits
Next Week’s Guest Judge: Brian Mcfadden
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