Following five weeks of gruelling blind auditions, it was finally time for the coaches to put their buzzers and pitches away this week, as contestants were whittled down in their droves. Last night sixteen anxious singers quickly became eight, as Team Bressie, Sharon, Kian and Brian eliminated contestants based on a three minute duet performance.
With the help of some relatively well-known and highly experienced assistant mentors, including Ruth Ann Cunningham, Don Mescall, Priscilla Samuels and Eddi Reader, the coaches picked the artist that they felt had the best chance of securing the Universal record deal.
Team Kian: First up to take to the stage in The Lir Academy, Dublin was Stephen Griffin and Liam Geddes from Team Kian. I don't really understand why Kian decided to put the pair together, as they were both extremely strong vocalists. The song choice of Coldplay’s Yellow went down a treat.
Stephen did a great job at controlling his nerves, and really tried hard to work the stage. The reaction on Liam’s face when it was announced that he would be sailing through to the lives was priceless. He clearly didn’t expect Kian to save him (bet he regrets that favouritism comment now!).
It was difficult to properly judge Sandra Jane Hyland and Graham Dowling’s performance of Maroon 5’s hit Moves Like Jagger, as the pair looking completely uncomfortable with the song. It was an awkward pairing, and at times Sandra seemed to shout instead of sing.
Graham looked like he was trying to disguise his nerves by pacing back and forth on stage, but overall he was the better performer. Sharon loved how Sandra pulled off the key change effortlessly, while Priscilla complimented Sandra saying, “you have a better voice than most recording artists I have worked with.”
Team Bressie: Unfortunately it was bad news for Dara Molloy who hoped to make her pop comeback on the talent show after having a Polygram record deal in the 1990s. It was Pat Byrne who stole the duet with his unique take on If It Makes You Happy. It was an unusual song choice, but I am delighted that Pat was chosen. I still can’t get his superb audition piece of The River out of my head. He is definitely one to watch out for in the competition.
Gavin Kenny first wowed us with his terrific rendition of Christina Aguilera’s Hurt, and last night despite the bad song choice of Everlasting Love, he once again hit all the right notes. Rory Quinn from Wicklow gave a rather intense and passionate performance, and he lit up the stage from the get-go. Brian compared the performance to “two best friends emigrating that decide to sing in the pub at their send off,” and oddly enough I couldn’t agree more. Well done Gavin!
Team Brian: Lata McCarthy failed to impress Kian during the sing-off with Everybody Hurts, claiming that she didn’t do it at all for him, and he didn’t like how she changed the song. Former OTT boyband member Alan Fitzsimons stood out a mile in comparison to his singing partner. It sounded like the song was written especially for him. I will be very surprised if Alan doesn’t make it to the final of the competition.
It was car crash TV watching Sinead Fox and stay-at-home mum Lindsay Hamilton perform. Sinead was so nervous that I felt incredibly uncomfortable watching her, while Lindsay was out-of-key and kept on missing when to come in and sing. Bressie said the performance was “lacking emotion,” while Kian framed Lindsay for “mimicking” other artists. I really do hope Sinead ups her game for the lives.
Team Sharon: I was surprised when Sharon chose Kellie Blaise over Kate. Kate put her heart and soul into the performance and her belter voice really suited the song (Lulu’s Shout). Although Kellie looks like a little pop star, she looked bored throughout the song and lacked energy. However, I still have high hopes for Kellie as her audition piece was brilliant.
The highlight of the night had to be Dan Twomey and Vanessa Whelan’s rendition of Time To Say Goodbye. It was a stunning and mesmerizing performance, and neither one of them deserved to leave the show. Hopefully the pair will get to work together again in the future. Keep up the good work Dan, you are an amazing singer. Please try out again next year!
The first battle may be over, but the war continues next week as another eight contestants are sent home.
Laura Delaney
