Australian Idol Recap: Top 6

Featuring Special Guest Liza Minelli on Stage and Screen Night

Oct 21, 2009

The top six Australian Idol finalists performed songs from the movies and theatre on Sunday October 18, 2009.

American singer and actress Liza Minnelli mentored the Idols during the week and was guest judge for "Stage and Screen" night. She opened the show with a melodramatic, theatrical performance of "Cabaret" for which she received cheers and a standing ovation, and kissed host Andrew G before the top seven Idols entered.

Andrew G announced that the bottom three was Kate Cook, Hayley Warner, and Kim Cooper. Kim was eliminated before the remaining six took to the stage to sing two songs each.

Toby was first up with the gospel-influenced Queen hit. It was a strong vocal performance, but his use of the stage was still limited. Ian "Dicko" Dickson said the song had a physicality that Toby didn't put in. Jay Dee Springbett, on the other hand, said Toby opened the show with a bang.

Stan began this song in a fairly monotonous tone but once he moved into a higher register for the chorus, the audience got involved. Dicko said the first half of the song was like "wading through custard". But Marcia Hines said Stan was one of the most versatile singers they had ever had on Australian Idol and Jay Dee said he was a star.

While there was nothing particularly wrong with Kate's singing, the performance lacked any liveliness and passion. "Theatre shouldn't knock you out," said Minnelli, suggesting Kate had gotten stage fright. Jay Dee said he wished Kate had listened to Minnelli's advice during the workshop and put her own stamp on the song. Dicko said he thought he'd drifted off and walked into "Amish Idol". Marcia told Kate it was her job to tell a story and command the audience to listen.

Like Kate immediately before her, Hayley's performance was vocally okay but dull from a performance perspective. Jay Dee said he expected better from Hayley and she flatlined. Dicko said the song needed some energy, spice, and intensity which was lacking.

James Johnston - "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Rodgers and Hammerstein, from Carousel

After being criticised over this song during the top 100 round, James took the chance to atone in the top six. He demonstrated his strong voice in this performance but Dicko said he didn't think James had the physical presence or experience to pull off the song. James replied that the song meant a lot to him and for him it was about his personal journey through the competition and reaching out to the people around him. Marcia disagreed with Dicko's assessment, telling James he performed with great conviction and maturity.

Nathan Brake - "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, from Suddenly 30 (also known as 13 Going On 30) and Revenge of the Nerds

Nathan didn't attempt any Michael Jackson dance moves, perhaps for the best, but his performing arts background was suited to the song's theatrical side. Minnelli said it was hard to make an iconic song like that your own but that Nathan's interpretation was "gangbusters".

Toby Moulton - "Exit Music (For a Film)" by Radiohead, from Romeo + Juliet

Despite being criticised by Dicko for picking "obscure" artists like Radiohead and Muse early in the finals series, Toby returned to his self-professed favourite band for his movie song. Marcia and Minnelli both thought the performance was sexy. Jay Dee put his A&R hat on and questioned whether this was really the direction Toby wanted to go in. Dicko said he had been wrong to try to turn Toby into a "romantic" because he "did pain and loss really well". There was also some banter between the male judges as Dicko said he would love to see things Jay Dee's way but couldn't get his head that far up his backside.

Stan turned this Queen classic into a rousing RnB-infused song with attitude. All four members of the judging panel praised the band and Stan for his imagination and versatility.

Kate Cook - "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan, covered by Garth Brooks in Hope Floats

This was a much better performance from Kate. Dicko said despite lacking the bells, whistles and elaborate production of her first song, there was a captivating honesty and vulnerability that defined her when she sang these types of ballads.

Hayley Warner - "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" by The Four Seasons, from Jersey Boys

Surprisingly, Hayley opted for an acoustic arrangement of this song. During the workshop, she asked Minnelli how to turn her usual "boppy" energy into a more emotional energy for intimate performances, to which Minnelli replied, "Make the audience one person". Hayley's efforts were commended by the judges, with Marcia saying she heard different tones in Hayley's voice that she had never heard before.

James Johnston - "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen, from We Will Rock You

James' decision to sing this made it three Queen songs for the night and the fifth time a Queen song has been performed by this year's finalists (although the first two were sung by Nathan during his audition and in the top 100). Marcia said James' voice was getting stronger and stronger. Minnelli also praised his voice but said he lacked a bit of intent in his performance.

The "theatre" theme was always going to suit Nathan's propensity for dramatic performances, and his powerful voice was a showstopper. Jay Dee said Nathan "brought fire and brought the house down", while Dicko said he delivered the curtain closer the show deserved.

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