Well, it had to happen; the surprise exit that takes place on every reality show from American Idol to Big Brother occurred on Saturday. This leaves the path to the West End clear for an obvious winner. But will the public vote for Andrew's choice, or will we end up with a 'surprise' final? Glenn Meads takes a look at the runners and riders.
With 6 Josephs left, we are closer than ever to finding out who will grace the Adelphi Theatre with their coat of many colours. But as always happens in these shows many of the contestants seem to have hit 'burn out' mode, whilst the underdogs step it up a gear. So how did they do?
Well, the producers went for a love angle with Keith this week, as we saw his girlfriend who he met on a checkout. This gives his 'character' a working class appeal, but it's blindingly obvious that he works at a supermarket part time, as a student. But this would not suit the narrative, if he is victorious- it will be a 'from Tesco to the West End' story similar to Connie – 'von-trapped' in a call centre.Keith's song, Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl was a bit twee and uninspiring. He seemed nervous and this was not helped in any way by Graham Norton who bought up the fact that the other boys thought he looked like Liza Minnelli! But, overall Keith was not just as good as he has been; his performance lacked soul. Let's hope this is a minor blip.
Often accused of not giving it his all, Lewis improved this week. He sang Bette Midler's The Rose and looked really determined and had a winning streak in his eyes. Clearly the 'cute' angle was being 'milked' literally as the V.T showed mini Lewis as a tap dancing milkman in a school production. But you feel this young man is not quite giving it his all, something is holding him back. Like many of the would-be Josephs, he still looks nervous.
From nervy to 'look at me' – Ben gave an energetic and lively rendition of Blue Suede Shoes. He upped the likeability factor and had the audience begging for more. This lad has got nine lives and really could take the part if he continues to perform as well as this. John Barrowman agreed and said "You are my Joseph." The only problem was he looked like he was on the wrong show, as his outfit and Elvis-esque facial ticks would have suited Grease Is The Word over on ITV!
These three had to perform That's Life to prove that they could cut it as a team. Keith seemed to hold back again, Lewis was quite wooden, leaving Ben to chew up the scenery and beat them both, hands down. Zoë concurred stating that Ben had "complete star quality."
Eager to please, like a puppy, Craig sang Michael Jackson's Black Or White. The result was a dated, clumsy turn which was fairly insipid too. But the makers of the show are going for the 'underdog' angle with this Scot club singer. I am convinced that Bill Kenwright is going to give him the part of Joseph on tour. He supports him constantly, whatever the other judges say. But, sympathy vote aside, he is being out sung in this competition and really should be sent home.
