THURSDAY NIGHT FEVER

08 March 2007

Colin Murray kicked off tonight’s show with a belting take of Sweet Caroline. Heavy on the foot-stomping, it won over the judges. "Your performances are fantastic," grinned Craig.

After being labelled dreadful by the judges last night, Zoe had some demons to beat with Suddenly I See. Richard said she deserved a second chance, but her voice came in for some heavier criticism from Lesley and Craig.

Patsy Cline’s Crazy was Linda’s breathy choice, and judge Lesley was beside herself. “I was so excited by your diaphragm,” she gushed. Trust Craig to spoil the party with a serious trashing that had singing coach David Grant calling him deaf as well as dumb. Steady on lads.

Funnyman Tim Vine busted out a silver-spangled shirt for his glitterball-fuelled Disco Inferno. Grappling with a mic stand he burned-baby-burned his way through the showstopper. It was enough to win over the judges who teemed with praise.

Dedicating What’s Love Got To Do With It to son Jake, Tricia Penrose put in an impassioned performance that won over Lesley. But Richard wasn’t impressed.

And after coming dangerously close to getting the boot last night, Angellica took on Madonna’s Like A Prayer. “There’s an improvement, but it was out of tune,” said Craig after the song. But Lesley and Richard got right behind her and predicted her a safe passage to tomorrow.

Fred’s vowels came up for analysis from Lesley tonight with a folky take on Cliff’s Living Doll the man himself would have been proud of. Richard predicted another night in the Academy for the Scotsman.

Tara’s had a tough day in the Academy, but her rendition of Dolly’s Jolene brought the tears to judge Lesley’s eyes. In a good way. “The best performance of the night,” said Lesley, and Craig agreed calling Tara “honest and endearing.” Well done girl.

Tackling James Morrison’s You Give Me Something was always going to be tough, but natural singer Shaun bowled over Lesley and Craig. Alas Richard unleashed a drubbing, calling Shaun “Too Las Vegas, almost pub-singing”.

Saved by the judges last night, Mel went for it with Abba’s Winner Takes it All. She couldn’t make it through rehearsals without crying, but she fought back the tears to get through tonight’s outing. But only upbeat Lesley was won over.

Sports presenter Ray Stubbs added another terrace classic to his repertoire tonight with Wonderwall. And the audience showed their support with one cheering voice too. “If that was available as a download that’s top ten,” gushed Richard. “You’re a genuine contender and a candidate for victory.” But Craig was at odds with that post-match analysis. Surprise, surprise.

So who’ll sing another day, and who’ll lose their voice tomorrow?