Our 6th live show gave our Judges a chance to test the finalist’s diversity and range as performers. ‘Judges Choice’ challenged our finalists to do something that they haven done before or show us a progression in an area in which they have not proven themselves.  With our semi finals just around the corner a place in the final is there for the taking.........

Sean’s challenge was to move beyond ‘raw talent’ into the professional realm and in order to do so he was asked to perform ‘Footloose’, the all singing all dancing classic. Simon confessed that he is a man who has brought choreographers to tears over the years and he was impressed with Sean’s performance. Erica and Robert also enjoyed it yet Robert still felt it was still just a “really good amateur performance”. Sean remained upbeat however and quoting another classic song he told us he is having ‘The time of my life’.

Ben was asked to perform ‘Home’ from The Wiz to demonstrate an ability to show a genuine connection with the lyrics and to really embody the song whose subject matter as we all know is close to his heart. He gave a “top class” performance according to Simon and Erica told Ben that his performance gave her chills. He also impressed Robert C Kelly who deemed it a “fantastic rendition”. 

Over the past weeks the judges have been concerned with Roisin’s pitching so they wanted to hear a more rounded sound and see if she can play a love interest – something that the role of Serena would require. Usually a critic Robert did feel she “sang it beautifully” but added “until the end” to spoil it! This did not go down well with Roisin’s gaggle of supporters in the audience! Simon agreed with Robert and but also told her that he loved her interpretation.
The question on the Judges lips for Conleth was can he be a leading man? Singing ‘Maria’ Erica felt he rose to the challenge and sang a difficult song beautifully. Genuinely moved by his performance Simon loved the intensity and control he displayed. Not one to mince his words Robert told him it was “textbook” however instead of thinking about Maria he was thinking about Conleth! He didn’t buy into it at all but told him he was a “clever” performer.

This was another “fantastic” performance by Sarah according to our surly impresario Robert. ‘Westend Sarah’ was her challenge and she delivered West End star. Stunning Robert C Kelly – no easy task – Sarah’s ‘Defying Gravity’ performance did exactly that taking Erica’s breath away!

Comedy and dance was order of the day for Jessica and boy did she pull this off! Giving us a “rapid” rendition of The Producers ‘If you got it Flaunt it’ Jessica ‘struuted her stuuf’ all over that stage and the Judges and audience loved it! Just nearly avoiding a wardrobe malfunction (and Simon’s eye) Jessica still didn’t bat an eyelid as she somersaulted over the ballet bars while singing in a French/German/Swedish accent proving she truly is an all rounded triple threat.

From geek to chic Michael’s task this week was simply to ‘stand and deliver’ and show us his progression has evolved beyond the fashion stakes. The ‘Impossible Dream’ that he sang about is more than possible as the judges gushed about his remarkable voice. Singing as if it was “the last song you will ever sing” the Judges all felt Michael absolutely nailed it!
In unsurprising fashion the voting public disagreed with the judge’s critiques and they were once again faced with “an impossible decision” with Sarah and Conleth in the sing off.

Unfortunately Conleth was voted out of the competition reluctantly and not before our Judges told both performers they could easily grace a West End stage. Lurgan boy Conleth left with his head held high and his Show Reel in his back pocket and he exited to a standing ovation. Join us next week for the penultimate episode as we see all the finalists singing for survival for a place in our final.