So much for Round 2 of Idols West Africa.
After all the talent we saw last week, this week’s episode was a bit bland. One contestant was so far off the mark I don’t know how she has made it thus far.
The sound quality was way better than last week but the background noise at my place was so deafening I tried to lock myself away just so that I could watch the show in peace.
The show started off with
Eric singing Angel by Robbie Williams.
As a huge Robbie fanatic, I had grave misgivings about this. All in all I suppose it wasn’t too bad. He started off shaky but as the song progressed it got a whole lot better. He could definitely hit the high notes and I was actually pleasantly surprised.
I didn’t get to hear what the judges had to say but I heard a whole lot of applause so it can only mean that positive praise was given. I’m lukewarm, so I wont be too heartbroken if he doesn’t make it.
Second up was
Oluwadolapo, the Duracell Bunny, with I Swear. (by some boy band, I forget which).
Man, did she suck. She started off all breathy, trying to be sultry and it went downhill from there. She was pitchy and at some points, down right false. It was painful and excruciating to listen to and I was glad for her part when it ended. I know that when she sees her own performance, even she will cringe.
I’m glad the judges didn’t lose their credibility by telling her how wonderful she was. They were honest enough to let her know that her performance was just not good enough.
And that dress looked like something that only a Disney Princess would wear.
Next was
Oge with Crush from Jennifer Paige.
She was cute and sassy and I really enjoyed her performance. I couldn’t understand the lukewarm response from the judges – It was nice… I mean really, it was better than nice. Compared to the previous 2 performances, it was great!
I liked the total package (although that wardrobe department really needs a good talking to)
On to
Jarry who sang Foolish Games by Jewel.
Before I proceed any further, I would like to know who is responsible for picking the songs for these contestants. I know from Danny’s repetitive repertoire that we’re looking for an INTERNATIONAL IDOL who can sell records IN THE STATES and INERNATIONALLY (too much Channel 37 has taken its toll on me) but please can we choose songs that suit the range of the contestants? It’s like asking Josh Groban to do rap… wrong on so many levels.
ANYWAY.
Jarry was not too bad. He showed off his vocal range and had the crowd screaming when he went down on his knees, so it looks as if he’s a crowd pleaser.
Then Nana did the inexcusable. She said he wasn’t an Idols in the looks department. I know they want the whole package but please, this is a talent competition not Miss (or Mr) West Africa. She did say that he had the voice of an Idol and if she was trying to make some sort of point it fell flat. I sincerely hope that it was the noise levels at my place that led to me misunderstanding what she said.
In the same breath , can I just ask what was he wearing on his head during his interview and why did he come on stage with that shirt (again, I blame the wardrobe department)
Then came
David, singing Change The World, by Eric Clapton.
David is by far my favourite. Granted his vocal performance was not what I would have liked to have heard but I just know he has so much potential inside him.
He concentrated too much on charming the audience, I just wished he had put in a little more energy into the performance.
But he’s so charming! A real gentle giant and my vote for him is because he is such a likable character. He sounded abit like George Benson and I have to say his performance was nice. He wasn’t struggling, he wasn’t pitchy but he needed to put in a little more soul. I’m hoping the audience see what great talent he has and keep him in the show.
Last up was
Jerrilyn with I Don’t Wanna miss A thing.
She was so cute in her interview but when she came on stage I once again wanted to bash in the wardrobe department. (I hope there is a wardrobe department for me to blame this on)
While it was eye-catching it was just wrong on the cute little Liberian Girl.
Luckily, her performance was better than average and she ended the show off on the right note.
So, while there were sparks in the bunch, no one lit up the stage.
Ah well, there’s always next week.
PS: Danny is working on my last nerve. Besides bringing in The States at every given opportunity he did a very bad Randy imitation of dogs barking tonight. Some originality goes a long way Danny boy!
To vote for your favourite contestant SMS his/her number to 33351 (if you’re in Nigeria)
34626 (if you’re in South Africa)
ERIC - 1
OLUWADOLAPO - 2
OGE - 3
JARRY - 4
DAVID - 5
JERRILYN - 6