t night of dance floor tunes, there are plenty of conflicting views about tonight’s verdict. While some performers have consistently been in our Bottom 3, others have been devastated by poor disco performances. It seems that no one is confident.
“I can’t really change what I’ve done,” Lisa Mitchell says, unsure about Australia’s opinion of her version of Blondie’s Heart of Glass. On the positive side, Dean Geyer surprised everyone with his acrobatic Disco display. “It could’ve worked both ways,” he says with a smile, describing his impressive summersaults and flips. As for Damien Leith, it looks like he’s just about had enough of Mark Holden’s grumpy criticisms. “It was far too harsh to be honest,” he says and you can feel the tension here in the studio.
We need something to cheer us up and there’s no better way to clear the cobwebs than to come together for a group performance. A Taste of Honey’s Boogie Oogie Oogie gets the Idol treatment tonight and it looks like the disco theme will be farewelled with a true celebration of Disco – the funk, the moves and the big hair! They’re really enjoying themselves tonight as they present a hip swaying, toe tapping group effort with plenty of laughs and a few very cheesy moves.
Let’s hope everyone had a great time because the depressing part of the show is upon us: the verdict! Chris Murphy is first on the chopping block and after being called ‘Mr Entertainer last night’ you’d think the lively lad would be safe. But no, Australia has different plans for Chris and he makes his way to the Idol stage. He gets up without hesitation but by the way he’s shaking his head, he must be wondering what else he can do to impress the nation.
Marcia Hines loved Jessica Mauboy’s Disco performance and we all know that Marcia is the expert when it comes to that era. But what did the fans think? Luckily Jess makes it through to the Top 7 without the stress of being in the Bottom 3. Ricky Muscat and Damien Leith are paired off and we all know what that means: trouble! After Damien’s awkward Disco effort, he must be very nervous. But it’s Ricky who takes the stage, yet again!
The mega-afro Bobby Flynn and solemn-looking Dean Geyer are given the all clear but two remarkably different gals are suddenly under pressure. Lavina Williams has found it difficult to connect with the Idol audience despite her consistently slick performances but Lisa Mitchell certainly wouldn’t call her Disco effort one of her best Idol moments. Lavina smiles nervously as Andrew says, “Lisa, you are safe and Lavina you are in the Bottom 3 once again”. Chris and Ricky kiss Lavina on the cheek as she joins them on stage.
“I really do hope the people at home genuinely do vote,” Marcia says, obviously unhappy about the nation’s decision. “I’m just annoyed that three really good people are standing up here tonight,” Kyle complains, “when there should be other people up there”. But Mark Holden is willing to make an obvious concession. “They didn’t connect,” he insists. “Why else are they up there?”
But at least one of our Bottom 3 contestants will soon be returning to the comfort of the couch. “The first person safe tonight is Ricky Muscat,” our hosts announce, and the footballer-come-crooner makes his way back to the safe zone. Chris hugs Lavina as she laughs nervously and it’s clear to see how close the finalists are as their arms link and they share a private joke.
“Sadly after months of hard work,” Andrew says, “tonight it all ends for Lavina Williams.” Chris hugs Lavina and holds her hand before rejoining the other contestants on the couch. After spending a few nights in the Bottom 3, Lavina seems to have prepared herself for this moment and the classy vocalist handles the decision with true grace. “It opens so many doors and I’m grateful,” Lavina says of the Idol phenomenon before turning to her peers. “Believe in yourself,” she urges them. “And don’t cry cos I’m not going to cry!”
The perfect way for Lavina to show Australia what they’re missing is to deliver a brilliant encore of Best of My Love. Before long, the Top 7 joins Idol HQ’s resident Mamma and it’s more like a group performance. With plenty of attitude and sass, Lavina gets the audience involved. She grabs Jessica by the hand and Bobby follows suit. This series may be a contest but try telling that to the contestants!
It’s the end of one journey but the start of another for Lavina Williams who is sure to build on her Idol opportunities and treat us to some awesome music in the future. For the 7 remaining finalists, a new challenge awaits. In an Idol first, next Sunday’s performance show will include musical instruments. For the singer/songwriters, it’s the night they’ve been waiting for and it’s sure to be a memorable moment in Idol history. Don’t miss next Sunday night’s Contestant Choice theme when Australian Idol continues on Network Ten.
