REVIEW:
First, a message to X Factor judge Melanie Blatt: The 80s want their word back! Yes, Blatt is single-handedly waging a campaign to return “wicked” to the vernacular.
Given the number of times it was used in last night’s tears-and-tantrums episode of the X Factor she may succeed.
But you know the show’s entertaining drill: start off with somebody great, dip into the not so talented, have a couple of highlights and end with a real tear jerker. It might be predictable, but it works – especially when there is a good back story.
The third audition starts of with Taiaroa, a humble youth worker from Patea. Dressed in a smart suit from the Salvation Army he croons away to Etta James’ At Last.
His vocal inspires judge Stan Walker to join in, though fellow panelist Melanie Blatt isn’t totally convinced. Still, he wins through to boot camp.
Then we veer off into contestants who are more cringe than sing. Stuart, who wants to be Eminem, is pretty slim but lacks the shady, the Play Up Kids have even their friends backstage squirming and the Vanilla Goodies are, well, just a bit vanilla.
Pretty blonde rapper Poppy planned to do her piece without background music but judge Daniel Bedingfield, he with the terrible hair, insists on providing a beatbox.
He then pulls the rug from under her and says he’s not a fan – never trust a man sporting a modern take on the rat’s tail.
After several acts where stroppy, deluded parents, wax lyrical about their loved ones’ abilities, we’re treated to country singer Liam, who Blatt says sound like he’s got an old man living inside him. Sounds kind of uncomfortable, but she says he’s ”wicked”.
Liam is followed by Eden, a singer and songwriter who it is suggested has suffered a terrible tragedy… once it is revealed she had RSI from playing her guitar too much we can enjoy her number.
Ratty, I mean Bedingfield, who likes hyperbole, is glad she was born. Wicked. Sorry.
Next up we have some well planted sibling rivalry. Hamilton brother and sister, laid-back Tjay and competitive Vasa, are pitched against each other. First up is Tjay who has a beautiful voice. Unfortunately, his sister has an even better voice.
Bedingfield suggests that the two sing together, but Vasa is obviously not impressed about her bro stealing her limelight. Together they are “a power house”, the judges say, but she won’t be pressed into teaming up with her brother.
There’s more in store for the siblings, and my guess is that the last word about them forming a duo is yet to be had.
Cassie, 14, has
