Of all the shows so far, this is the semi final I’ve looked through the most. There are some great acts in the lineup tonight so it should be a good show. But first, the results.
As I suspected, Olivia Turner and Tawaroa Kawana progress through to the grand final, proving that New Zealand isn’t voting for actual talent.
First up tonight are those four playful Maori boys from J Geeks. Their act is once again superb and as Ali said, J Geeks for the win. Jason tells them that their attempt at contemporising Maori culture is quite brilliant but hopes New Zealand doesn’t see their act as a crack, almost a caricature, of contemporary Maori culture. Rachel thought they had the comedy, they looked hot and looked sexy and that that’s what she thinks this country is all about. Um, ok… Ali said he thought there was something menacing and something very funny about them. All in all they represent New Zealand. They’re unique, they’re kiwi and very entertaining.
I can’t decide whether I like Lili Latham or love her. She’s an interesting artist but I can’t help wondering if she’d be more suited to providing the massive vocals for some of the epic dance anthems that thump out of the clubs. Rachel loves her because she thinks she’s awesome. ”You have such confidence and put a show on”. Ali thought she was very Ga-ga-esque and that that you can tell a good singer when their ad-libs are better than the tune they’re singing. Jason thought she was brilliant, exceptional, effortless yet powerful.
Taking on a Whitney Houston song will either make or break a contestant. Thankfully for 16 year old Monica Orbe, her performance wasn’t the latter. It wasn’t as big as some renditions I’ve heard but she can be proud of her performance. She would have been better singing something a bit younger and a bit more fun though I’d say. Rachel thought it was absolutely stunning. Jason thought she nailed it and that it had to be the most polished of the night before telling her “You have a huge career ahead of you”. Ali asked what can I add to that?
Hitmen Percussion were just as entertaining this time around as they were during their auditions. Ali thought it was smashing. That’s what percussion is all about; hitting things. Rachel states the obvious and tells them “You guys are clearly talented”. Jason said they were entertaining virtuosos and have proven you can make music out of anything. I agree but I don’t think they’ll get the votes.
Evan Sinton is, simply put, a true artist. The way he performs is in a completely different league. Ali told him he put a spell on him. Ali also thought his diction was strange but it worked. Jason thinks that he is what this show is all about. I hear your voice and I get transported. Rachel loved his audition and thought that it was magical and that whoever goes through to the final better look out for him. If he makes it through of course.
After two weeks of, well, rubbish, tonight’s show was fantastic. The worst thing is that we’re losing 3 of the 5. Of all the acts, Monica Orbe is the only one I’d struggle to put into a top 3. I’d suggest that Evan will go through with the public vote and J Geeks will be the judges pick. Lili may be the third.
Next week:
Kale Simpson, Prestige Dance Crew, Zane and Dev, Clara Van Wel, William Fairbairn
If you want to vote for any of these acts you have until 12pm on Tuesday to do so.
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