Tonight was Andrew Lloyd Webber's last chance to save someone. Who would he allow to wear the coat once more and who would he 'close every door' to? Glenn Meads guides you through the penultimate weeks' events.
Keith opened the show stating in his V.T that he had "grown from a boy into a man." His song was Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic." The whole arrangement felt a bit like a sing-along in a ferry bar. But Keith gave it his all and even though he has his doubters, I thought he was magic! John said he was "vocally superior." Denise Van Outen said it was "time for the West End to check him out." He had a certain something tonight and vocally he was without fault. The only thing I would say that what he lacks at the moment, is a bit of heart.
Ben has clearly grown as a performer since the shy, almost scared contestant stepped onto the stage. He now resembles a mini Robbie Williams. He sang "Ease On Down The Road" from The Wiz. This is an awful song for a young performer to sing as it feels like a seaside special number, when performed on primetime television on a Saturday night. He almost nailed it though, but at the moment – I feel he could step onto a regional stage, rather than the West End. Zoe questioned his vocals; although John though made a good point, mentioning that many West End Josephs had not been that great vocally. I am sure he was thinking of Philip Schofield and Jason Donovan.
There was a change in the format as we only have a few guys left. So duets were the theme as Ben and Keith sang "Only You" from Starlight Express. Keith had great vocal quality but not much going on behind the eyes. Ben however, stepped up his vocals and was clearly acting. Denise said that her eyes were drawn to Ben and her ears to Keith.
Lewis was next up. Old footage of him crying was shown, juxtaposed with clips of him joking! "Sweet Caroline" was his song and he sang it through a cheesy smile. It was well acted but he really reminded me of a desperate chorus line performer with his "pick me" smile. John said "a really good performance but missing the fire. " Denise disagreed saying "I could see your fire." Andrew said: his worry was for Lewis, rather than for his talent.
Lee talked about being fed up with "borrowing the stage" as an understudy. He came on singing "Livin' On A Prayer." I don't know if the judges missed something but his performance lacked a 'rocky' edge and at times was out of tune. Lee just seems almost too experienced to me, to be a true winner. Every Joseph has been on a journey but Lee knows what it's like to step out onto a West End stage. Zoe honestly said: "It wasn't a100% accurate. " But the other judges seemed to smother Lee with cotton wool. It's clear they see a winner, regardless of his individual performances.
The favourite returned once more, this time with Lewis to sing "Oh What A Circus" from Evita. Lewis really looked the part and had clearly accepted that he could sing in a musical theatre style. As good as Lee is, he just seemed to slick, almost oily to me. Andrew said they were both "extraordinary." Zoe said that to Lewis – "You became a musical theatre singer."
So, to sum it up:
I thought Lee was the weakest in his main song. Lewis was credible but came across as cheesy. Keith and Ben, the underdogs should swap souls as one has the voice, and the other has the all round ability, including heart and soul. So for the first time, I think it's a tie.
BUT, who would end up in the sing-off? We had to wait as we were shown video footage of all the boys going back stage at The Lord Of The Rings. The lads looked amazed to be back stage in a theatre, all, bar Lee. It was wonderful to see their faces as they 
stepped into the dressing room, meeting actors from a big West End production. They actually started to look humble, but hungry at the same time. But Lee looked like it was another job. This proves that an unknown, untrained 'ordinary Joe' should be Joseph. Imagine their first night on that stage; it could be magical!
