Australian Idol Recap: Top 3

Featuring Guest Judge Pete Wentz on Power Night

Nov 8, 2009 Lee-Ann Khoh

The top three Australian Idol finalists were given the abstract theme of "Power" and had to perform three songs each on Sunday November 8, 2009.

The top four Idols opened the show with a group performance of Starship's "We Built This City" before Andrew G revealed the voting results from last week's show. The two safe contestants were James Johnston, who would have been eliminated last week had Toby Moulton not quit the show, and the popular Stan Walker. The bottom two, therefore, were Hayley Warner and Nathan Brake, and Nathan was eliminated.

James Johnston - "Hold the Line" by Toto

James produced a vocally solid performance of this Toto hit which started slowly but soon picked up when he got the audience clapping. Ian "Dicko" Dickson said that while James' voice was getting better, his real "power" lay in his vulnerability and he should play to his strengths. Guest judge Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy said live music was all about interacting with the crowd and James did an excellent job. Jay Dee Springbett said he didn't think James was ready for the big time.

Hayley Warner - "One" by U2

Hayley's vocals were pretty good but the overall performance was a bit lacklustre. Jay Dee said he expected greatness from Hayley and her performance was a little too safe for this late stage of the competition. Dicko said she didn't destroy the song but it didn't suit her voice, and described it as a "nil-nil draw".

Stan Walker - "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor

Stan started by somersaulting through the air before delivering an energetic performance that stayed within his stronger mid to high vocal range. Wentz praised Stan for making the song his own. "I run a record label myself so if you end up with nowhere to go, give me a call," he added. Jay Dee said "the treadmill must be working" because Stan's energy was great.

James Johnston - "More Than Words" by Extreme

James presented a maturity that belied his age and youthful appearance when he brought his acoustic guitar on stage. Jay Dee said he loved it when James "stripped it back" and let people see "Musical James". Marcia Hines said James played his guitar, he displayed a stillness and calmness that the audience gravitated towards. Wentz said the song evoked memories of trying unsuccessfully to get to second base.

Hayley Warner - "New Sensation" by INXS

Hayley's second song was a top 10 US single by the renowned Australian band. Dicko said one of the things he liked about Hayley was that she had a "grime" to her voice that set her apart from a "pristine Idol voice", and that this performance was too straight a rendition of the song. On the other hand, Wentz said Hayley interacted with the audience to bring her performance to a higher level.

Stan Walker - "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" by James Brown

Stan got a rousing reception for his rendition of a much-covered classic that appealed to his RnB strengths. Marcia said it was "dynamite" and would have made James Brown proud. Jay Dee said when Stan picked the right songs, he went from being a contestant with a real shot at winning Australian Idol to an Australian artist with the potential to carve out an international career.

James Johnston - "Learn to Fly" by Foo Fighters

James swapped the acoustic for an electric guitar for his final song and again got the audience clapping along. Jay Dee said it was a well rounded performance but James needed time to develop. Dicko said he didn't want to see James sing Foo Fighters and didn't think the world wanted to either.

Hayley Warner - "Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve

Hayley took on this English alternative rock hit for her third song of the night. Jay Dee said she saved the best until last: "Your voice breathed like I haven't heard it breathe in a while." Dicko said Hayley's "commanding femininity" was gripping to watch. Wentz said rock and roll was usually a boys' club and it was "nice to see a girl come in and really own it and rock it".

Stan Walker - "Amazing Grace" written by John Newton

Stan sang a soaring soul arrangement of this hymn that won him a standing ovation. Dicko said he was proud to be part of a show that allowed someone with Stan's troubled past to find redemption through music. Marcia said Stan sang from his spirit, soul, and heart. Jay Dee said six months ago he had questioned Stan's focus but would now describe him as "a very focused individual" with honesty, conviction, and passion.

Michael Bublé will be a guest next week when we find out which two Idols will go through to the grand final.

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The theme was Power on Australian Idol

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