Last Choir Standing

23rd August 2008

The result of the semi-final show is that ACM Gospel Choir is out of the competition after they went head-to-head with Ysgol Glanaethwy in the penultimate 'Clash of the Choirs'.

The final four choirs all performed live in the main show and it was up to viewers at home to vote for the choir they wanted to go through to next week's grand final - one step closer to being the 'Last Choir Standing'.

The remaining four choirs had to sing at the top of their voices to get a place in the grand final and they kicked off the evening with a group performance of 'One Night Only' followed by each choir singing two songs.

ACM Gospel Choir were first to perform, hoping to impress the judges with their rendition of 'Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher'. While Russell thought they were an "absolute choral masterclass" and Sharon was "loving it, loving it, loving it", Suzi felt it was a "bit dull" and not as exciting as last week.

Ysgol Glanaethwy performed 'Rhythm of Life' in Welsh and English, and the judges were impressed with the bilingual singing, Suzi commenting that it brought out a "different quality". Russell enjoyed their "youthful energy" and none of the judges could fault them technically, but Sharon felt they were still "a bit square" and wanted to see them loosen up more.

Only Men Aloud! were up next with 'Angels'. All three judges enjoyed the performance, but Russell felt the tenors sounded "nasal". Suzi disagreed and said it was a "fantastic, blended and solid" performance. Sharon loved the arrangement but felt they could have gone "even softer" in some parts.

Revelation's first song was 'I Knew You Were Waiting', and they were hoping they wouldn't be waiting in the bottom two for the third week in a row. Sharon said they'd delivered what she'd asked for with more complicated arrangements and a gospel sound. Suzi felt they were fantastic at bending the notes and shaping the music and said it was "the most exciting choral sound so far tonight." Russell also felt it was a special performance that came from the heart.

ACM Gospel's second song was 'I'll Be There', and the judges felt that although it wasn't their best performance to date, it was still good. Suzi commented that they always sing from their "heart and soul", and Sharon thought the key change was "beautiful", but all three judges felt the soloists sounded a bit nervous.

Next were Ysgol Glanaethwy with Queen's 'Somebody To Love' and all judges agreed they have a great sound. However Sharon felt that while it was great vocally, the "emotion wasn't there." Suzi disagreed saying "I was drawn into the words" and Russell said they "used all five gears."

The second song for Only Men Aloud! was 'Luck Be a Lady' and the judges all enjoyed the performance. Suzi was concerned about the "theatre taking over from the choral" but thought they were "irresistable". Russell remarked that "the tenors are back" and he was "tempted to say it was the best performance so far tonight." Sharon also felt it was "beautiful and gorgeous."

Revelation then ended the main show by singing their second song 'I Want to know what Love Is'. All three judges were extremely impressed with their performance and their progress throughout the competition. Russell commented that in Olympic week, Revelation were "in Gold Medal position." Sharon was overjoyed that they'd delivered everything the judges had asked for, and Suzi was so delighted she said "I don't see how your place in next week's final is in doubt."

It was then up to the viewers at home to vote for their favourite choir before the Results Show, where the two choirs with the least votes would sing in a 'Clash of the Choirs' and the judges would make their last decision about which choir would leave the competition, and who takes the last place in the grand final.

To start off the show there was a performance from special guest Josh Groban who sang 'You Raise Me Up'. Then it was time to reveal which choirs were through to the final and which two would sing again to stay in the competition.

After an excruciating wait, and with a huge amount of tension in the studio it was announced that Revelation and Only Men Aloud! were through to the grand final leaving ACM Gospel Choir and Ysgol Glanaethwy to go head-to-head in the 'Clash of the Choirs'.

Ysgol Glanaethwy performed 'Circle of Life' as their 'Last Chance Song', and ACM Gospel Choir sang 'Joyful Joyful'. Both choirs gave it their very best, and it was then up to the judges to decide...

Sharon was first to vote and saved Ysgol Glanaethwy as she felt they bought so much passion to the performance and really moved her. Russell was next to vote, and repeated Sharon's thoughts on what a tough decision it was to make... But he voted for the choir that really moved him "like they really were singing for their lives... Ysgol Glanaethwy!" So with two votes, Ysgol Glanaethwy are through to the final and ACM Gospel are out of the competition.

Now just three choirs remain and will battle it out in the grand final next week. Who will be the Last Choir Standing? Tune in next week to BBC One at 18:00. If you missed this week's show, watch it now on BBC iPlayer.

Find out more about the choirs in our Choir Section. You can also get a full track listing of all the songs performed in the show.