Any Dream Will Do: Recap # 3

With 7 Josephs left on Eurovision Song Contest day, the competition has opened up, as clearly everyone has started to get that 'fighting instinct.' But who has the all round ability to sing on a West End stage, week after week? Even Graham Norton couldn't tell you that, it's up to the UK viewers, who vote. So, how did they do? Glenn Meads guides you through the highlights.

This week, each 'wannabe' stepped it up a gear and the performances were quite something, making it almost too close to call. The show opened with all the contestants singing There's One More Angel - all looking hungry for the part. We also saw some sneak preview footage of John Barrowman teaching them all how to act out various emotions.

Rob was first out of the gates, after receiving mixed comments in previous weeks. He began the competition as the 'everyman' but it soon became clear that vocally he was not ready. Tonight was no different, he sang Born To Run- overdoing the angst, but under-whelming vocals betrayed him. John said he was "confident and controlled." Likewise Denise Van Outen said she was impressed saying he "could be a different Joseph."

Daniel had been told to get a bit naughty. He sang Maggie May but as he mouthed "You stole my heart…" his 'hurt' face looked like someone had stolen his sweets. He just looks really cocky and based on tonight's performance; like a spoilt child. There is something almost too slick about this performer, for me. The judges disagreed. John said he was "so spectacular." Denise said "brilliant." Sir Lloyd Webber said it was the "best I've ever heard Maggie May." 

Lee's V.T showed him determined to have some fun. Then he came out; head hung low, singing Will Young's earnest ballad Leave Right Now. But at last this talented performer showed off his brilliant vocal range. He injected emotion into the song and really delivered a great performance. He proved that he could walk the part of Joseph. "Awesome" said Bill Kenwright.

Lewis attacked his nerves head on tonight with The Monkees hit I'm A Believer; not the best song to show off his vocals, granted but his cheeky side came back to the fore. It reminded me of Austin Powers for some reason as there was humour evident in the performance and he did not look like a deer stuck in the headlights for change. Zoe summed up the audiences' view, saying; "the boys are back in town."

Bill has always had time for Craig and looking at the V.T footage you cannot help but think he will get a part on the UK tour of Joseph. Singing This Is The Moment, this underdog looked every inch a star. He shone and gave a determined and powerful performance. His voice was quite gruff at times but it was great to hear some edge in his voice. Zoe agreed, describing Craig as "fantastic." John said "that was musical theatre!"

V.T of Ben cockily dismissing Andrew's comments did not bode well. He sang Tom Jones' Help Yourself and seemed slightly cabaret. He works the cameras though and looked like a true TV star. But this is the problem; he now resembles a pop star, tailor made for television, but not for the West End stage. Denise said "Wow. When you sing in tune, it's fantastic." Bill told him to "watch the over confidence."

  Keith was next and his job was to prove that he could sing like a man, not a boy. Always On My Mind was a great song choice for him. His face was etched with emotion throughout his performance. It was incredibly moving to watch this young star in the making. Acting up a storm and, every inch a man, this lad has grown so much as a singer. It really was fantastic television as it proved however formulated this show is, it is not a given that the pros (Daniel and Lee) will win. My money is on Keith. Even Andrew described him as "terrific."

Whiles the votes were being counted the boys had to act out various emotions including vulnerability, betrayal and arrogance. Another day at the office, then! With John Barrowman as their teacher, the results were very interesting. It all got too much for Keith and he cried buckets.

The panel agreed Rob was not 'Joseph', except Zoe who clearly agreed with my summary – as she said Daniel. Lewis and Rob sang Tell Me It's Not True in the sing off. Andrew sent 'Rob the Builder' home. This man has a bright career and I can see him in musical theatre, just not as Joseph.

My absolute one to watch is Keith – he is getting better and better. In my humble opinion, he could be Joseph tomorrow.

ONE TO WATCH: KEITH JACK 

ANY DREAM WILL DO

Next show, Saturday 19th May, 8.10

Visit www.andrewlloydwebber.com to view Webber's latest video blog and his thoughts on the "Any Dream Will Do" contestants.

www.bbc.co.uk/joseph

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