Last night the penultimate episode of Popstar to Operastar aired leaving just two contestants to battle it out in next week’s grand finale. As expected the semi-final saw a huge increase in nerves from the remaining opera wannabes who hoped that they would reach the high notes while remembering the words (a lot harder than it sounds).
On the outset this reality singing show may seem a bit daft, and the task at hand may seem simplistic, but after following five weeks of intense singing I can’t help but applaud all of the celebrities that were involved (Yes even Joseph Washbourn).
I am amazed with the progression that the final four have made in the last couple of weeks and the tricky operatic techniques that they have mastered. Last night their newly gained opera skills shone brighter than Myleene Klass’ red dress, - and for once the bookies got the results a bit off target.
In an exciting new twist the two contestants with the fewest phone votes were sent home (I always thought the sing-off was a waste of time anyway) meaning that there were no second chances. With Rolando away in Zurich, English tenor Alfie Boe hopped in to act as a guest judge, and I must admit I missed the chaka chaka comments.
Claire Richards battled with nerves throughout the series, and last night she sported an admirable confidence. Although the Lady Gaga inspired hairdo and dramatic make-up was a tad off key, the Queen of the Night’s aria from Mozart’s Magic Flute was spot on. The former Steps star reached the highest notes ever by a celebrity on the show, and I shocked that she didn’t receive a standing ovation after her tremendous performance (what an achievment!).
I would imagine that Claire was quite shocked when Myleene revealed she would be departing the show, as the media created such hype and certainty about her being a possible winner. Boe was the first judge to commend Claire on her spectacular voice saying: “I'll be buying my ticket when you play in Covent Garden.”
Mr. Callow who is famous for his Four Weddings And A Funeral appearance pitched in: “I was absolutely stunned. There are 12 singers in the world who can sing that aria and you're now one of them.”
I thought the day would never come when I would say this, but I think I may have converted to camp Washbourn. I was really impressed with his charisma and passion displayed during the Champagne aria from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. He put his heart and soul into the performance and I thought he made a good stab at playing the womanizing male who wanted ten women.
However, Callow felt that Washbourn could have brought more into the character stating: 'It's the best I've heard you sing. My only observation is the man's a sex addict... I didn't quite get that feeling from you.” Unfortunately, after three times of surviving the bottom two, the Toploader front man was sent packing – but in my opinion he did come the furthest in the competition.
After fifteen years of mastering a raspy gravelly sounding voice this rocker dramatically changed singing paths, and eventually achieved operatic glory. For that I salute you Mr. Washbourn!
In the second half of the show the four semi-finalists were split into pairs to form duets – and the pairings came as no surprise.
The X-Factor 2009 winner Joe McElderry was matched with the bubbly Cheryl Baker, and it was by far my favourite performance of the whole series. The charisma and chemistry that the duo brought to Canto Della Terra by Sartori and Quarantotto was electrifying.
I was also impressed with Claire Richards and Joseph Washbourns stunning version of Time To Say Goodbye (Could they have thought of a more apt song?) I have always been a fan of this captivating aria (it even made its way to the frequently played list on my Ipod), and I reckon Sarah Brightman has some tough competition.
Next weekend, Joe McElderry and Cheryl Baker will each perform solo, as well as with their mentors, in an effort to win the second series of Popstar to Operastar.
The Popstar to Operastar final will air next Sunday at 8pm on ITV1.
Not to be missed!
Laura Delaney
