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Idols: Murder under the disco ball


Tamara Dey as guest judge was a very clever choice for this week's disco theme. But simply passing a two sentence comment after every performance isn't enough. Instead of slathering themselves in mud and getting back waxes at the spa, they should have been having tutoring sessions with Tamara.

We're doing everything else like the American show, why not this? No money or crappy talent? It seems they're perpetuating the notion that being a pop star is all about how you look and has nothing to do with your vocal ability.

Since the show's already spruced them up with powder, paint and pomp, let's dissect what's on the inside.

Bongi: 5/10
Not a bad start to the show, but hardly a celebratory entrance. Bongi's portrayal of Kool & The Gang's Celebration was more like a marie-biscuit-and-tea party. Not much to write home about.

Lloyd: 5/10
Like many contestants in this season, Lloyd is a much better singer than he is a performer. His rendition of The Beatles' Twist and Shout was hampered by his guitar and ultimately, he never twisted or shouted, which sort of defeated the spirit of disco. His voice was good throughout though.

Pieter: 3/10
Ugh... what is this guy still doing here? Every week it's just another Nickelback-inspired desecration of some otherwise decent song. Pieter's cover of Seal's cover of Knock On Wood was strained, he missed the high notes and Randall correctly pointed out that there's no connection between singer and song. He's going to need more than a knock on wood to keep him in the competition this week.

Sindi: 4/10
I still don't like her voice. I try to keep an open mind each episode, but she's still slowly dragging her voice over the lyrics. Taking on Beyoncé's Sweet Dreams was brave, and she sure looked the part, and the judges loved it. So it should be a winner right? Hmm...  It did nothing for me.

Elvis Blue: 5/10
Crooning to Yvonne Elliman's If I Can't Have You, Elvis finally wormed his way into my good books. While he's still overrated at times, he's only now displaying his genuine and sincere side. It wasn't the greatest vocal performance, but he should definitely do more of this and less of the predictable.

Adeline: 4/10
Too much action, too little singing. It's a fine line to walk: You have to be a performing singer, not a singing performer. Adeline is still the latter. Okay, she's trying to sing. I have to admit she's fun to watch, but not as much fun to listen to. She should take advice from her Pussycat Dolls song, Hush Hush.

Jess: 3/10
On the other end of the spectrum, Jess is about the worst performer in the bunch. The rollerblades were a good idea on paper maybe, but in practice it might just accelerate her exit. Jess also suffers from a serious case of singing songs she likes, not ones she's any good at. The Scissor Sisters' I Don't Feel Like Dancing has a great disco feel, but Jess couldn't pull it off with shaky lyrics, no focus and nerves of jelly.

Boki: 5/10

Before last night, I thought Justin Timberlake was a perfect fit for Boki. But he should have chosen a song more people were familiar with – Senorita or Sexy Back – because Love Stoned bored me to tears. Maybe the judges were right; he should have danced more. But that's an entirely different reality TV competition. It was just so meh in comparison to Boki's previous winners.

Jamie-Lee: 4/10
The best thing about Jamie-Lee's performance is the back-handed 'compliment' she receives from Mara afterwards! It must be her funny facial expressions that wind Mara up. Covering Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder On The Dancefloor was another one of those good ideas on paper, but not so hot in execution. Randall once again very aptly noted how Jamie-Lee lacked the finesse and cuteness to pull this one off successful. I have to agree. 

Vote for your favourite until 10pm on Monday night. Here's how.

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