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The Voice Australia: Live Show Final, Part 4!

Posted in The Voice Australia, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 5, 2012 | 1 Comment »

It’s starting to get pretty exciting. The prospect of a Top Eight potentially means eight great singers and no filler. For those who missed last week’s performances, here’s a recap:

The Voice Australia: Live Show Final, Part 3!

And here are the results!

Top 8: Team Delta

The public choose Rachael Leahcar. She was the best of Team Delta and realistically the only potential to win from this group. 100% for the Top Four.

Delta had a difficult choice with the remaining three. Viktoria Bolonina is the most exciting act but butchered Nirvana last week. Danni Da Ros has had moments of brilliance but doesn’t have anything remarkable about her and although he was brilliant last week, Glenn Cunningham is unmemorable. Then again, Viktoria and Danni didn’t used to be back up dancers for Delta. SHAM.

Top 8: Team Seal

The public save Karise Eden. She wasn’t at peak performance last week but after so many solid ones in the past, it was easy to see why she went through.

Seal’s decision was a no brainer, but that didn’t stop him talking for approximately a thousand years. Fatai’s performance last week was the best of the whole series!

Now, to the bitching…I mean singing!

Prinnie Stevens – Forever

I have to hand it to Prinnie. She’s 31 years old, managed to don every regrettable fashion trend of the last thirty years and dance like a meth addict protecting her stash (what was with all the shoving?!) and she STILL managed to slightly rock it! The vocals didn’t break new ground but showed the most control she’s had thus far. Well chosen, Joel.

Diana Rouvas – I Can’t Make You Love Me

I don’t understand why reality show contestants keep singing this song (their choice or not). Even though Diana‘s vocals are absolutely flawless, that song is so boring it could replace chloroform and roofie caladas as the number one choice for rapists on their victims. I think Diana has been sabotaged and will not be in the Top Four. Shame, but you’d need a Ouija board to connect with personality of that song.

Lakyn Heperi – Friday I’m In Love

I’ve called Lakyn everything from Sean Penn in I Am Sam, to Timmy from South Park, to singing “99 Bottles” on the special bus, but credit where credit’s due (and i mean to Joel), he managed to pick a song that Lakyn didn’t massacre tonight. I still want him to win about as much as I want a hand job from Edward Scissorhands, but at least if that’s the last time I have to hear him – it wasn’t too bad. Joel seems to be the Voice of reason in this show, so maybe he can tell the executives that Fuzzy has as much personality as a shoe horn and to get rid of her.

Brittany Cairns – Straight Lines

I kind of don’t get the Brittany thing. If you ask me, the only Straight Line in her career is to head to Centrelink after the voting next week.

Adam Martin – Romeo & Juliet

Adam nailed Lonely Boy last week and continues his hot streak yet again. I get the impression that he isn’t impersonating anyone, which is so refreshing on a show like this. He’s basically everything that Lakyn wants to be and isn’t. It takes a lot of balls to sing Romeo & Juliet on national television.

Sarah De Bono – How Will I Know

SHE NEEDS TO WIN THIS COMPETITION.

Watch Sarah De Bono – How Will I Know.

Darren Percival – I Believe

Darren’s voice is exceptional, there’s no doubt about it. While watching him did kind of remind me of a drunk uncle singing at a wedding, it’s hard to fault the guy. WHAT was going on with the “dancing” on display by the judges? Reminded me of something…

Ben Hazlewood – I’m With You

Ben Hazlewood absolutely nailed it last week with Lego House and let’s face it, the bloke is beyond good looking. Despite the back story of his brother’s depression, Ben fell pretty flat last week. He didn’t seem very upset about it when he got home though…not that I would know.

Next week…The FINAL EIGHT!

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The Voice Australia: Live Show Final, Part 3!

Posted in The Voice Australia, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 29, 2012 | 3 Comments »


For those who missed last week’s performances, here’s a recap:


http://thepopportunity.com/2012/05/22/the-voice-australia-live-performences-2/

And here are the results!

Top 16: Team Keith.

The Public chose Darren Percival and Brittany Cairns, which kind of baffled me. Diana Rouvas’ performance was the best of the entire competition. Luckily, she was always going to be saved. Darren and Brittany both show signs of talent, but even Rock Eisteddfod does occasionally.

Keith stepped in to make the two decisions that the public should have. Diana Rouvas and Adam Martin were best on ground last week – thank god for the judge’s vote.

Top 16: Team Joel.

The public redeem themselves with Sarah De Bono before cocking everything up with Lakyn Hepari. Attention teenage girls, the only song that Lakyn should be singing public is “99 bottles of beer” when he heads back to camp on the special bus.

Joel makes the obvious decision in Ben Hazlewood and Prinnie Stevens. The reality now is that there are eight great singers left and eight shit ones.

Tonight, Delta and Seal‘s Top 4 perform.

Chris Sebastian – I Can’t Stand The Rain

Great of Chris to finally turn up to the competition. Admittedly, his performance was pretty special but after surviving multiple rounds that he shouldn’t have, he’s going to have to do a lot more to get Australia on side.

Verdict: Go

Danni Di Ros – When Love Takes Over

If anyone was going to take this song on, it was Danni. What a set of pipes she has! The performance was so blistering,  I barely noticed that she was about as sexy as an howler monkey.

Verdict: Stay

Emma-Louise Birdsall – The Look of Love

WHAT was Seal thinking? Emma has proven her vocal dexterity and he gives her a song that’s so boring, it made Tina Arena sound like Metallica. Seal described it as a “Song of vulnerability,” which is perfect, given that she’s vulnerable of being voted off next week. Does anyone else think she looks like the mother in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory?!

Verdict: Go

Viktoria Bololnina – Smells Like Teen Spirit

Poor Viktoria. Smells like teen burning flesh really, because Delta publicly trialled Viktoria like it was The Crucible. Watching a credible performer reduced to sounding like Eurovision-trash was humiliating for all involved. Here’s a pic of Delta after choosing Nirvana.

Verdict: Go

Team Seal gather to sing Kiss From A Rose on The Grave of Seal’s career. It’s exactly what you’d expect – a giant waste of time that keeps the show at two hours. Because none of us have social lives…or jobs…or sleep needs.

Glenn Cunningham – Closer

A huge improvement on last week, it went to show that Delta chooses a lot better when she’s not trying to be cool with the kids. But please, do us a favour – don’t try to turn him into a sex symbol. Then again, Seal is considered a sex symbol and his face looks like the Germans tested chemical weapons on it.

Verdit: Go

Fatai V – Ave Maria

Holy shit. For 16 years old, Fatai has some banging vocals. Obviously the highlight of the night and one of the whole season. I must say, I’m sick of fucking Seal freakily manhandling his contestants like the Boogieman. I haven’t seen a gatekeeper this aggressive since Joseph Fritzl.

Verdict: Stay (Best on ground!)
Fatai V – Ave Maria

Rachael Leahcar – Someone To Watch Over Me

A cynical friend of mine last week told me he’s convinced that she’s not actually blind. After about five minutes of arguing like it was some fucked up episode of Law & Disorder or Boston Legal-ly Blind, he ended up admitting that it was irrelevant. We agreed she is terrific – another gorgeous vocal.

Verdict: Stay

Karise Eden – Landslide

It wasn’t her best performance to date, but it was still in the top four of the evening. I think the general public need more big notes to vote, but I will hopefully be proven wrong.

A perfect end to the show: If you ever needed a song that summarised Delta‘s choice of Nirvana – it’s Born To Try. Same time next week kids – peace out!

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The Voice Australia: Live Show Final, Part 2!

Posted in The Voice Australia, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 22, 2012 | 1 Comment »

So now Carmengate has come and gone, the show must go on. Just ask one of her friendly competitors who explains, “She’s here with us tonight,” like she’s dead. Usually when people say that, they don’t look so ecstatically happy!  For those who missed last week’s performances, here’s a recap:


http://thepopportunity.com/2012/05/15/the-voice-australia-live-show-final-part-1/

And here are the results!

Top 16: Team Seal.

The Public votes went to Emma Louise Birdsall & Karise Eden.  Well done Australia, the two best on ground were chosen. Perhaps making people actually BUY the music means that pretty boys won’t go through anymore?!

Seal’s votes went to Fatai V & Chris Sebastian. Fatai was a commendable choice but Chris?! So, when is the show going to be renamed “The Person Who Best Deals with the Press”?!

Top 16: Team Delta.

The public rightly chose Viktoria Bolonina, given her astonishing rendition of Bang Bang last week. Rachael Leahcar was another solid choice. The public absolutely nailed it.

Delta then immediately fucks everything up by choosing Glenn Cunningham. Maybe Keith wasn’t crying happy tears during last week’s performance, Delta. Maybe those were ear-rape tears? Delta then redeemed herself with Danni Da Ros. The consequences of choosing the geriatric or One Directionite would have ended in bloodshed.

Now, to the next eleven performers.

Darren Percival – Paul Young

“Fantastic song choice”? If you haven’t turned on the radio since 1982, maybe. Darren Percival has an amazing voice, but if Keith Urban keeps picking songs like this, Darren will be back to being Quentin Tarantino’s body double in no time!

Verdict: Stay (only for the voice.)

Prinnie Stevens – Turn Me On

Prinnie was relatively unchallenged in the R&B department (hello Diana Rouvas) and while the track had faulty moments, she did enough to secure either a public or judge’s vote to get through. They say Prinnie Stevens is the Aussie Beyonce, so here’s Prinnie below after seeing Diana Rouvas’ take on Beyonce’s Love On Top later in the evening (I’m guessing that phone call is voting for herself?)

Verdict: Stay (but only because 8 stay)

Adam Martin – Lonely Boy

Kudos for tackling The Black Keys, an almost untouchable band, given their reputation as live performers. I have no recollection of Adam Martin before this performance, but he has propelled himself into one of the best in the whole competition.

Verdict: Stay

Sarah De Bono -  Listen

Holy shit!!! Best performance of the entire season and precisely why the show is on. I’m already dying my hair fire-engine red. Best on ground. The video hasn’t surfaced yet on YouTube but PLEASE watch below!

Check out this great MSN video – The Voice : Sarah De Bono Sings Listen.

Verdict: Please win the whole series.

Jimmy Cupples – Sweet Child Of Mine

I don’t know what it is, but there’s something very unlikeable about Jimmy. Sure, he’s a talented singer and he did Guns N Roses justice, but the dude doesn’t make me feel anything. I think a sweet child of his would look something like this…


Verdict: Go

Ben Hazlewood – Lego House

Between his good looks and gifted vocal abilities, Ben Hazlewood is more like Ben Ladywood, which every girl in Australia is experiencing right now. There are things that I would do to Ben Hazlewood, that would involve The Voice of a Jury incarcerating me for a very long time. Below is my perfectly normal reaction to seeing him on stage. 3rd best on ground.

Verdict: Take your top off…I mean stay!

Taga Paa – Fight For You

What. Was. That? If Jason DeRulo’s re-working of Toto’s Africa wasn’t painful enough, watching Jonah’s friends from Summer Heights High completely upstage Taga was demoralising on every level.

Verdict: Go

Laura Bunting – Somebody That I Used To Know

Considering she shouldn’t even be here today, taking on the world’s biggest song of the last year is extremely gutsy/stupid. While Laura attempted a Kimbra-esque solo version, it just didn’t work. Some songs should be left to the originals and now she’s just somebody that we used to have to listen to.

Verdict: Go

Diana Rouvas – Love On Top

Diana is another performer I don’t really remember, but she absolutely NAILED Love on Top. It was fearless, effortless and thankfully, not a Beyonce knock off – it was genuinely unique. A VERY CLOSE 2nd best on ground.  Unfortunately, the video isn’t up on youtube – the link is below.

Check out this great MSN video – The Voice : Diana Rouvas Sings Love On Top.

Verdict: Stay!

Lakyn Heperi – Forever Young

Lakyn does absolutely nothing for me. NOTHING. I find him boring, without stage presence and has a vocal slur that sounds like Sean Penn’s closing speech in I Am Sam. His pretty looks cannot distract his blatant lack of talent.

Verdict: Piss off.

Brittany Cairns – Different Worlds

Oh, is the show still going?

Verdict: Go

After the public votes of last week selected the best four, if Adam, Diana, Sarah and Ben get chosen tonight, then the other eight put through by the judges are just buffers. You can tell from the progression from Top 24 – 16 that the producers didn’t trust the public to make the best decisions (hence the judge’s saves), which might just now go to waste. We’ll find out next week.

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The Voice Australia: Live Show Final, Part 1!

Posted in The Voice Australia, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 15, 2012 | 1 Comment »


The first and most immediate point to discuss is the appearance of Fuzzy as the social media commentator, or whatever the fuck name they gave her job, which is completely unnecessary. I was really hoping Australia wouldn’t follow the Americans. Not only have they but even worse, they’ve chosen Fuzzy. For years on Video Hits I witnessed awkward interviews with musicians, with generally rough and jagged hosting. I’m sure the girl is very smart and focused, but even Mickey Rourke would do a better job.

Another equally disappointing discovery was that Lakyn‘s cover of Big Jet Plane has officially charted higher than original by Angus & Julia Stone. A dark day for credibility. Well done, everyone.

Fatai V – Empire State of Mind

Dear Fatai, thanks for dropping your surname. Signed, spellchecker.

The chick clearly has talent, particularly for 16 years old. While the performance had faults, it was almost definitely enough to keep her in the competition. She already has a fan base, as her cover of Love The Way You Lie is the second highest charting Voice performance so far.

Verdict: Stay.

Matt Hetherington – White Noise

Matt – as much as I love the lad – is no doubt talented. However the man is way too theatrical. I swear I saw jazz hands appear a few times! Not sure that White Noise was the best song, given that you are trying to appeal to teenage girls who vote and buy. When you’re 41, you already have a handicap in that department.

Verdict: Go.

Karise Eden – Nothing’s Real But Love

I lost my shit when I heard that my favourite contestant was singing my favourite new singer, Rebecca Ferguson. As much as I wanted it to be amazing, I was also ready to draw blood if it wasn’t. Karise NAILED it and actually sounded like Rebecca herself. Best on ground.

Verdict: Stay.

Ben Bennett – One Thing

Wow, a tween singing a tween song. Well done Delta. There’s only One Direction I want Ben Bennett to go, and it’s home. Unfortunately I think teenage girls will keep him around because he’s like a One Direction Inception…A tween within a tween within a tween!

Verdict: Go (please!)

Michael Duschene – Got To Get You Into My Life

Michael gave another quality performance and the guy is extremely likeable. He does, as Joel said, have an old quality. While American Idol is inundated with these, we don’t really have it here, ,making him a bit more exciting than most.

Verdict: Stay.

Danni Da Ros – Alone

I really wanted Danni to be shit, as I was devastated she apparently outwitted, outlasted and outplayed™ Sarah. On top of that, Danni was tackling one of my favourite song’s ever, Heart’s Alone. A tough track, but she nailed it. The last note particularly, was incredible. Second best on ground.

Verdict: Stay

Sam Ludeman – Summer Paradise

I actually have no idea what this song is but figure Jason Mraz has to have something to do with it.Sam started off shaky as shit, but eventually pulled it somewhat ogether. I cannot believe I’m saying this, but I actually agree with Seal. I find Sam untrustworthy and smarmy. I also reckon he should have sung something more famous like Ed Shearan’s The A-Team. I also still think Sam Ludeman’s idea of paradise is a sausage fest.

Verdict: Go.

Viktoria Boronina -Bang Bang
Viktoria has won me over every single time. To me, she is actually the happy medium between what is now and something a bit different – kind of like Lana Del Rey meets Kate Bush. Third best on ground.

Verdict: Stay.

Chris Sebastian – Without You

When Chris Sebastian is on form, he sounds exactly like Usher. When Chris Sebastian is off form, as he was in those awful choruses, he sounds constipated. I don’t know WHAT Keith was banging on about, the guy may have talent but has a shocking lower register. Here’s Chris below after reading what I had to say.

Verdict: Stay.

Glenn Cunningham – Heaven Knows

Heaven Knows how this song was ever a hit. I feel like I’m in the Invasion of the Body Snatchers, except instead of everyone else being aliens, everyone thinks shit performances are really good and I’m the only person left.

Verdict: Go (Now.)

Emma Louise-Birdsall – Never Loved A Man

Emma Louise-Birdsall is a gorgeous girl, with a soulful voice to boot. Mimicking Aretha was pointless, so in this respect Emma should be applauded. While the performance itself wasn’t brilliant, ti was probably enough to make an impression (and a connection.)

Verdict: Stay.

Rachael Leahcar – Hands

Poor Rachael Leahcar. Being born with such a disability would be difficult (and by that I mean having a palindrome name, the same forwards as backwards.) Rachael’s song provided stunning choruses, but it certainly wasn’t La Vie En Rose. If you ask me, she could have sung the Terms & Conditions on my Scoopon voucher and she’d be safe.

Verdict: Stay.

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The Voice Australia – Battle Rounds #1!

Posted in The Voice Australia, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 1, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

The Battle Rounds kicked off last night and proved that The Voice contains one of the most innovative reality TV show formats in years, with certain contestants shining. In case you missed it, here’s what happened…

 

Chris Ninni VS Ben Hazlewood. 

Song: Paramore – The Only Exeception.

Quality: 8/10.

Who won: Ben Hazlewood.

Who Should Have: Ben Hazlewood

Notes: There were a few dodgy high notes but an exhilarating start to the battle rounds. Ben and Chris both showed solid improvements since their auditions. The final note by Ben Hazlewood was better than three seasons of Idol combined.

 

Diana Rouvas VS. Jaz Flowers 

Song: Kelly Clarkson – Mr. Know It All

Quality: 7/10

Who Won: Diana Rouvas

Who Should Have: Diana Rouvas

Notes: Diana Rouvas was the considerable underdog, but Jaz Flowers’ determination to hit high notes ruined her consistency.

 

Fatai Veamatahau VS Mitchell Thompson

Song: Eminem & Rihanna – Love The Way You Lie

Quality: 6/10

Who Won: Fatai Veamatahau.

Who Should Have: Either – it was 50/50.

Notes: As desperately as Seal paraded it as something special, it wasn’t. Mitchell had the voice control, yet Fatai sparked more emotion. The correct decision was made.

 

Abbie Cardwell VS Adam Martin 

Song: The Fray – Heartbeat

Quality: 5/10

Who Won: Adam Martin

Who Should Have: Abbie Cardwell

Notes: The Battle Round was never going to suit Abbie Cardwell. She comes across more acoustic, along the lines of Angus & Julia Stone, but fared well considering. Seal was spot on when he said that the connection wasn’t there, but Abbie showed way more potential in her audition.

 

Glenn Cunningham VS Matty Chaps

Song: Maroon 5 – Moves Like Jagger

Quality: 7/10

Who Won: Glenn Cunningham

Who Should Have: Glenn Cunningham

Notes: Even though it started off shaky, Glenn had more energy and an urgency to win. Love the drama of going to the judge’s assistant, who offered absolutely NOTHING in the opinion department.

 

Karise Eden VS Paula Parore

Song: Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

Quality: 9/10

Who Won: Karise Eden

Who Should Have: Karise Eden

Notes: Given Karise’s audition and the song choice, this was the most one sided battle since Ricki Lee took on not eating and won. Karise was absolutely amazing, massive contender for this whole thing.

 

Rachael Leahcar VS Adam Hoek

Song: Judy Garland – Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Quality: 8/10

Who Won: Rachael Leahcar

Who Should Have: Rachael Leahcar

Notes: The song was essentially chosen for Rachael Leahcar. It couldn’t have been closer to La Vie En Rose. Poor Adam Hoek, it could have been called “Somewhere Over Your Dead Body Will We Ever Hear About You Again…”

 

Prinnie Stevens VS Mahalia Barnes 

Song: Soft Cell – Tainted Love

Quality: 8/10

Who Won: Prinnie Stevens

Who Should Have: Prinnie Stevens

Notes: Terrible song choice, yet still the show of the night. Prinnie Stevens nailed it and came across as Australia’s answer to Beyonce. I thought Mahalia Barnes’ audition was nothing like the media suggested.

The strongest three so far are Rachael Leahcar, Prinnie Stevens and Ben Hazlewood. The next Battle Round is at 8pm tonight.

 

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The Voice Australia – Blind Auditions #4!

Posted in The Voice Australia, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 23, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Some Thoughts…

1. The show kicked off last night with the obligatory flashbacks, which to be honest, are indicative of the lack of previous talent more than anything.

2. It seems the singing has come second in this competition, Channel Nine should really should have called it The Sob Story.

3. I read an article about how Keith is the breakout star of the show. I highly disagree. Maybe they were referring to the fact he sings over actual contestant?

Now to the performances…

Ben Hazelwood was up first with his version of “Breakeven”. The Script, along with Adele, needs to be retired immediately. “Breakeven” has become the quintessential song for these shows, having seen it on this, the current season of American Idol and both American seasons of The Voice. So what was Ben’s like? Pretty hard to tell, I could barely hear him over Keith Urban singing! It was very decent, but not a show winning performance by any means. I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t let him sing his audition in my bedroom.

Taga Paa chose a terrible song in “Isn’t She Lovely,” an almost untouchable track, as powerful as his vocals were. It did remind me that so many of these artists perform better once the buzzer has been pressed and the pressure is off.

I found Ben Bennett’s sweat patches more appealing than his cover of “Teenage Dream.” Not my thing at all.

Mahalia Barnes’ “Proud Mary” was pretty damn good but NOT worthy of the eighteen hyped reminders before hand. I was really interested to see who she chose, thought it could have gone anywhere except Keith. Another win for Joel.

Abbie Cardwell’s “Ode To Billy Joel” was a definite highlight. She had a great bluesy vibe and  a talent in presenting an understated performance, rather than shouting like the usual fare.

Sarah Lloyde was a mixed bag with “The Voice Within.” She may have been pitchy as all hell in the verses, but her nerves settled and she absolutely nailed that chorus. She was a dead set ringer for Christina Aguilera, not to mention absolutely stunning and lovely. The blueprint looks good, can Delta build the perfect house though?

Darren Percival was picked very quickly by Seal for “Jealous Guy” and deservedly so. His voice was impressive and was the highlight of my night. He sounded like the performance wasn’t even live. Can Joel Madden SIT THE FUCK DOWN please; he didn’t even pick the guy!!! Keith however finally has some talent.

Ben Potter’s “You’re The One That I Want” was interesting and quirky, but it was just more interesting and quirky when Angus & Julia Stone did the exact same version better years ago.

Mali Koa-Hood ‘s “American Boy” was decent enough, if you don’t mind watching a girl dance like a drunk prostitute – very distracting.

I so wanted Rebekah Jensen’s “Seven Nation Army” to be amazing. Hearing White Stripes on a show like this is always several shades of amazing, but it came across as very forced.

Then came her mum, Shauna Jensen, who took on “Natural Woman.” I couldn’t believe that no one turned around. It wasn’t like it was perfect but it trumped many that have sailed through thus far. Then she arrogantly told them all they’d made a mistake. Shut up, honey.

I honest to God had nothing written down by the end of Glenn Cunningham’s “Lately,” telling me that there was nothing memorably whatsoever about this performance.

Finally, after two hours, Emma L Birdsall closed the show with “Mercy.” Is Seal serious? She was AVERAGE at best. “I was waiting for that one voice,” he declared. More like he was waiting for that one producer to say hurry up and choose another, Australia is not full of talent like the UK.

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