Australian Idol Recap: Top 2
Featuring Guest Mentor and Judge Michael Bublé
The top three Idols opened the show with a medley; Stan Walker sang Prince's "Purple Rain", James Johnston sang Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy", Hayley Warner sang The Killers' "Somebody Told Me", before they ended with Europe's "The Final Countdown". Andrew G then announced the results of the previous week's votes. Stan and Hayley were voted through to the grand final, while James was eliminated but he got a standing ovation from the audience.
Stan Walker - "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" by the Bee Gees, covered by Michael Bublé
During the workshop, guest mentor Michael Bublé remarked that Stan's voice was "like God kissed your throat". On stage, there were no backflips or theatrics like the previous week; instead Stan sat on a stool and let his voice take centre stage. After the performance, Marcia Hines and Bublé pretended to leave. Jay Dee Springbett quipped: "I know why Michael was leaving; he was texting someone called Manager, saying 'please send a hitman to Australia'."
Hayley Warner - "UFO" by Sneaky Sound System
Hayley had the audience in the palm of her hand with this song, clapping and dancing along. Bublé said what Hayley did was "easy and infectious". Jay Dee said he loved the way Hayley constantly surprised them and she had a great connection with the audience.
Stan Walker - "Black Box" (Winner's Single)
This inoffensive pop song, which will be Stan's debut single if he wins Idol, let him show off the higher registers of his voice and his soulful tones. Jay Dee said he had had the song on his computer for a while but was pleased with the way Stan interpreted it: "Sometimes a song finds an artist". Marcia said there was nothing like singing a song that was tailor made for you.
Hayley Warner - "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder, covered by Michael Bublé
Hayley started the song as an intimate, stripped back affair before transforming it into a free and upbeat performance that showed off strong vocals. Bublé said "you are an artist, you're not a karaoke singer". Jay Dee said he was mesmerised by Hayley's versatility, and that he got shivers every time he listened to her distinct voice. Ian "Dicko" Dickson said Hayley had sung beautifully in a way she would not have been able to three months ago.
Stan Walker - "Sweet Dreams" by Beyoncé
Stan entertained the audience with a playful, sometimes funny performance that resulted in a long applause. Dicko said he liked that Stan had embraced a lot of "chick songs" on Idol despite coming "from a culture where masculinity is prized". Bublé said: "I always thought I was a heterosexual guy but I feel fuzzy when I see you bust those moves".
Hayley Warner - "Good Day" (Winner's Single)
Hayley brought attitude and her usual audience interaction to this standard pop rock number. Marcia said the song showed off her distinctive voice. Bublé said it came down to what the audience thought, to which they responded with a chorus of cheers. Dicko said it was a great single and joked that he would have to get one of his daughters to teach him how to illegally download it.
Stan Walker - "Superstar" by Delaney and Bonnie, covered by Luther Vandross
Stan delivered another soulful intimate performance that focused on his voice. Bublé asked Stan's parents if it was "weird to think that soon people will be making love to your kid's voice?". Dicko said Stan had never taken the easy way through, and that Australia loved him for taking risks and putting his heart out there.
Hayley Warner - "Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna
Hayley lent her quirky brand of funk to this dance pop single, earning some more long cheers. Jay Dee said performances like that caused more electricity than having someone like Michael Bublé in the room. Dicko said it had been a brilliant series of Australian Idol and he was happy with the final two: "Australia's RnB soul man and possibly the coolest 17-year-old girl in the southern hemisphere". Bublé said boys liked Hayley and girls wanted to be like her, and that she was a nice, humble kid who deserved the accolades.
Bublé and the rest of the top 12 Australian Idols will perform at next week's grand final at the Sydney Opera House. Mika, Ian Moss, and former Idol alumni Guy Sebastian, Jordin Sparks, Wes Carr, and Ricki-Lee Coulter will also perform.
Stan and Hayley are the 2009 Idol finalists
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