The competition got into full swing on The Voice Of Ireland this weekend, as two more contestants dreams of bagging a music contract with Universal Records was snatched from under their feet. With Bressie and Brian having just four contestants left in the show, it really is anyone's game - and not everyone was feeling love, life and happiness following last night's performances!
TEAM BRESSIE: Pat Byrne rocked the socks of Jet’s Are You Gonna Be My Girl, and really set the tone for the rest of the show. It truly was a terrific song choice. His sexy and seductive voice gave the performance some edge, while the scantily clad dancers prancing about made pat look like a rock divo (his poor girlfriend’s eyes must have been burning!). Pat received praise and positive feedback from all of the coaches with Brian saying: “You have so much passion when you sing, no wonder you are called Byrne.” Sharon commented on how comfortable he looked up on stage, while Kian stated that it was a “lovely song to get everyone grooving.” See you in the finals Pat!
Pat Byrne keeps on going from strength to strength. Watch this space!
It is difficult not to get reeled in by Gari Deegan’s charm and rugged good looks. He brings bucket loads of personality to each of his performances, while looking like he is having the time of his life up on that stage. He put his own unique stamp on Emeli Sande’s Next To Me, and it definitely paid off. I agreed somewhat with Kian when he said that he would like Gari to “tear it back” and stop picking “boppy” numbers, but I do think he needs to be careful choosing ballad songs. As I stated previously, some Maroon 5 or Lenny Kravitz would go down a treat!
Is Gari Ireland's answer to Justin Timberlake?
I can’t help but empathise with Jessica Pritzel. She has a stunning voice, and like Eoghan McDermottt stated she doesn't look like she has been "hit in the face with a frying pan" - but for some reason the public had difficultly warming to her. It seems that Jessica’s stint on the Irish dating show Take Me Out, and recent stories about how not being able to “afford to buy publicity” in the competition like “other contestants” may have rubbed people up the wrong way.
I don't think her performance was as bad as the coaches made out. Brian said that he “didn’t enjoy the performance,” as there was “a lot of shouting,” while Sharon said “I am still waiting to see your personality.” Equally, Kian was not impressed with her performance saying “You couldn’t hit the big notes, and you still went ahead and sang them even though Bressie told you not to during the week.” Jessica’s own mentor even failed to compliment her saying: “You did way better in rehearsals.” It looks like her hunger for fame may have contributed to her own downfall.
Jessica found herself in the bottom two again, prompting Bressie to send her home
Despite wearing an unusual and slightly daft looking rope outfit, Keira Byrne showed that she is the leading lady in Bressie’s category. Her soulful voice made Stay With Me a pleasure to listen to. Keira’s passion for music really shone true, and she has firmly established a place in my top 5 favourite contestants. Brian commented on how she “lost and found herself in the song,” while Sharon stated that it was “a powerful performance.” Even Kian managed to commend Keira claiming that it was “the performance of the night.” You go girl!
Keira Byrne wore a rather unusual rope inspired outfit
The highlight of the night was Conor Quinn. He had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. His new hairstyle looks great, and I love how he is starting to develop his own sense of style. Better yet, his awkward looking facial expressions are all a distant memory. He delivered a sensational performance of The Black Keys I’m A Lonely Boy, and looked like a professional up on stage. Overall, it was an effortlessly cool performance.
TEAM BRIAN: I wasn’t a fan of Brendan Keeley’s song choice of You Are So Beautiful, but it was hard not to get drawn in, as it was full of passion and emotion. It was so cute how he dedicated the song to his wife, but I was more impressed with how he got his three entertainment questions correct when Eoghan McDermott quizzed him! Bressie gave high praise to the singer saying: “You meant every word, and took your time, while Sharon pitched in: “You light up when you sing. It is very easy for the audience and viewers to watch you.”
Brendan Keeley - the man with the 'gravel voice'
I love how Alan Fitzsimons took the brave decision to sing Lady Gaga’s Edge Of Glory, and I thought it showcased his varied vocal range. I agreed with Kian when he said “You can deliver songs well, but that style of singing doesn’t suit you. I don’t think you should play it risky.” It looks like the public weren’t fans of his daring decision either, as Alan was placed in the bottom two. I’m glad he stayed, as I feel he has a lot more to give in the competition.
Former OTT boyband member Alan Fitzsimons brave decision went a bit pear shaped
Claire O’ Loughlin is a beautiful woman with a stunning voice, and I was surprised that she landed in the bottom two. I thought it was refreshing that she veered away from her low tones with Cyndi Lauper’s We Are Young, and showed that she isn’t just a one trick pony. Perhaps like Bressie her flexed muscles scared off the voting public. Somehow I don’t think it will be long until we see Claire back on our screens. A workout video to teach us all how to get that chiseled figure would be marvelous!
Sinead Fox relly upped her game this week, and looked confident for the first time. The song choice of Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful was extremely apt, and it was sung from the heart. Bressie commented on how she kept on putting her head down (which I didn’t notice at all), while Sharon said that she “needs to kick the little girl out of her and loose control.” I quite like the innocence that she bestows, and don’t think she should change who she is. However, the Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz styling has to go.
I don't think the coaches will be happy with Sinead until she sings I'm Not A Girl by Britney Spears!
As always Richie Hayes made me smile from the second he stepped onto the stage. I couldn’t have agreed more with Bressie when he said that Richie was a “born entertainer.” I wasn’t expecting his song choice of Kiss, but was pleasantly surprised that he explored a different musical genre. Kian said it was “very kareoke,” while Sharon said “you are a man of many talents. You worked the camera well, and you delivered the song well. You can sing anything.” Here Here!
Richie is the ray of sunshine in the show
Next week it will be Sharon Corr and Kian Egan's to put their acts up for your votes.
Who will you be voting for?
Laura Delaney
