The Voice Of Ireland was jam-packed with surprises this weekend, as we were treated to an exclusive performance from all four coaches. However, the show did reach a few sour notes when two of my favourite contestants were sent home from team Kian and team Sharon.
The mentors delivered a powerful rendition of Arcade Fire’s Wake Up, and I loved that they were playing their own instruments. It was also a great night for Bressie fans as we were treated to a solo performance from the heartthrob as he performed his new track Breaking My Fall.
To top it all off, Eoghan McDermott continued to throw out some hilarious and witty gags from the engine room, increasing the fun factor of the show. Move over Dermot O’ Leary!
TEAM KIAN: Elliot Canavan Doyle received negative criticism from Kian during the battle rounds, when he said that he “wasn’t impressed” with his performance, and it looks like it has left a lasting impression in the minds of the voting public. I adore Elliot’s quirkiness and unique fashion sense (I can’t believe his vintage military jacket was from Kian’s wardrobe!). He made a really brave decision by singing Take Me On by A-ha with just his guitar and the odd few bongo beats.
The song didn’t do his voice justice, and he struggled to reach the top notes. I can see why he landed in the bottom two, but I do feel that this apprentice hairdresser has way more to give to the competition. I would love to hear Elliot singing an old school Maroon 5 song!
Elliot Canavan Doyle looked a bit nervous after his performance of Take Me On
Graham Dowling gave one of the most memorable performances of the night with his version of the Kings Of Leon’s Sex On Fire. His raspy voice made the song sound like it was written especially for him. I loved how he worked the stage, and ended the song by flinging the microphone stand on the ground like a true rock divo. I couldn’t agree more with Sharon when she said it was “worryingly wonderful.” Watch out Niall Horan!
Graham Dowling a true rock star in the making!
Kansas native Kyle Kennedy was one of my favourite contestants in the competition, and I thoroughly enjoyed his rendition of Superstition (although Olly Murs still holds the reigning crown for this song). Kyle has come on leaps and bounds since the blind auditions, and last night he finally looked confident on stage. Kyle you (and the booty shaking) will be missed!
Freedom, Freedom, Freedom….. yes after wowing us with her sensational Aretha Franklin number in the blind auditions, I was longing to hear more of Sharon Gaynor’s soulful voice. Initially, I was sceptical about her song choice of All By Myself, as I feared it was going to sound very karaoke like, but she once again gave a world class performance. Brian said he would be “first in the queue to buy her record,” and I will be right behind him! Go Sharon!
Sharon Gaynor is hopping aboard the soul train to the final
Jim Devine gave a pleasant performance of Time After Time, but I agreed with Sharon when she said that “it could have been more emotional and lacked drama.” I preferred his rendition of I Can’t Make You Love Me. Is it just me or does he sound slightly like Mr. Brian Kennedy when he sings?
Liam Geddes seems to be the leading man in Kian’s group, receiving tweets from all around the globe. Even Brian stated that he is “a bit of competition”. I thought it was one of Liam’s weakest performances to date. The song just didn’t suit his voice, and he seemed uncomfortable singing Love The Way You Lie.
TEAM SHARON: I was shocked when Fauve Chapman was chosen to leave by Sharon. Fauve’s biggest mistake was singing a Lana Del Rey song, knowing that she was already compared to the hit record maker. She looked like a little pop star on stage, and her styling was spot on. I agreed with Kian when he said that she “played it safe” with her song choice. With 37,000 hits already on YouTube with Video Games, it looks like Fauve’s musical dream is very achievable. Don’t give up!
Don't give up Fauve!
I really disliked Kellie Blaise’s song choice of My Funny Valentine, but luckily the superb big notes and key changes saved the day for her. She took a while to get into the song, and it was only mid-way through that she began to develop emotion and passion. While I don’t entirely agree with Bressie when he said “she nailed it,” I do think that she has a lot of potential. It would be great to hear her singing some more contemporary songs.
Kellie Blaise bared huge similarities to Katie Melua on last night's show
Kim Hayden struggled to hit the high notes during Coldplay’s Fix You, and unfortunately her performance came across as bland and boring. I do empathise with her, because she seems to be struggling desperately with her nerves. Kian was a bit harsh when he said that she “was out of her depth”. Hopefully in the coming weeks she can prove him wrong.
It was a tough week for poor Kim Hayden
There is something so cute and charming about Kevin Keeley, and the VT where he was singing along with his granddad, and 27 grandkids, looked like so much fun (ah bless). I thought that the music sounded too loud for him during Crossfire, and almost drowned him out. Like Bressie and Kian, I too love the tone of his voice. See you in the finals Kevin!
Vanessa Whelan has already won the show in my mind. A true professional, with bucket load of talent. I just don’t understand how she hasn’t been discovered long before this show. Her performance of Somewhere brought a tear to my eye. Even if Vanessa doesn’t win the competition, she has a huge career ahead of her. What a good find!
I love the way there is something vulnerable about Nollaig O’ Connor. She didn’t realise how good she is, and that makes her a really worthwhile contestant in the show. It was her best performance to date, and it looks as though she is gradually starting to overcome her nerves. You go girl!
Nollaig O' Connor gave a not so shaky performance of Florence & The Machines Shake It Off
Roll on next week!
Laura Delaney
