Fairly Easy Decisions For #TheVoiceUK Judges This Week

After two weeks I had forgotten what some of Tom's or Will's team sounded like. Maybe that says a lot.

Leanne

I Put a Spell On you
Great song and, yes, she can sing, all notes where they should be and even one or two where you might not have expected them to go for good measure. But she's not going to win this thing. Just a bit ordinary and not really a star in the making.

Frances

Show The Love
Now she's modern, reminds me of Cher Lloyd from X Factor a couple of years ago. Not the best performance, though, and she's not going to get much further either.

Matt & Sueleen

Missing
An excellent version of this track and, however odd they look, this was actually a good performance. I still don't see them hitting the big time or winning this competition but they might just squeal through for another week.

Joelle

Stronger
You look at this girl and think 'Yes, she could make the big time'. there were good bits and some not so good bits. Nothing particularly special, though, and if she gets through it'll be purely because Will needs to have a girl on his team for a bit longer.

Ruth

Next To Me
I know everyone's talking about this girl and how good she is and, yes, she is very remarkable, doing things with tunes that are quite extraordinary. Not always that great, though, and she does tend to mash up the lyrics so that you have no idea where she's going with the song or, for that matter, why. She's certainly one hell of a find for this programme and whoever styled her this week deserves a medal. She'll be through to next week.

Tyler

Sign Your Name
Very well sung - his falsetto worked well. he's looking so much healthier than a few weeks ago and I'm beginning to see some decent talent there. He does still strike me as an 80s star returning to the stage but made a brave effort tonight and might get through if Will prefers him to Joelle.

Adam

High And Dry
This was good - he sings well, across a good range and can interpret the words well. One of the few modern artists in these two teams. He didn't come across as anything like as weird as last time and deserves to get through.

Jazz

You're Amazing
Talented guy and a potential winner. he'll be around for a while. He's always spot-on, in tune and original, tonight mixing both tracks of the same name and doing that well.

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Who knows what the voters will make of this lot? No-one actually grabs me really and the whole show was a bit of neither one thing nor the other, the highlight possibly being Will's team performance at the end. Usually those things are dreadful but he'd put a lot of effort into its production and it showed, Jazz and Tyler, interestingly, taking all the lead and getting virtually all the limelight.

My guess would be Jazz and Tyler from Will's team and Ruth and Adam from Tom's. Joelle and Matt & Sueleen might just scrape through in place of either Tyler or Adam but I'm pretty sure it's farewell to Leanne and Frances. The choice isn't exactly going to occupy my mind that much, though. It's all a bit forgettable. Things will improve as the numbers get whittled down.

The Voice UK: Rather too much of the judges' voices (and dancing)

The producers really do seem to have trouble knowing how to start this programme. This time we get some very embarrassing dancing from the judges - and more than once too as they seem to have trouble staying seated at times. This show dragged horribly. Although Hollie is pretty quick with the announcement of the two at risk in each group, the time taken by both Jesse and Danny to explain how difficult it is to make a decision (when we all know they must have made their minds up some time before) and then to describe at length how each of the four is this or that and everybody's wonderful and everything in the garden is lovely.

Get on with it, guys! This is tedious viewing and the same old well-worn phrases are trotted out over and again. People say how much 'better' this is than X Factor but so far I don't see it. It's a flawed selection process and, whilst the weekly team competitions are sound enough, there's a need for some changes.

Anyway, I realised that the two I would have sent home were both in the same team! It was bye bye Ruth-Ann for sure. Instead of Vince (who got enough votes to be safe) it was between Max and Hannah on Danny's team to go. No competition there, it had to be bye bye Hannah.

That's about it. Not a great deal more worth writing about.

Eurovision 2012 The Top 10 contenders

With just over a couple of weeks before the two Semi Finals it could be a good time to take a good hard look at the Eurovision 2012 entries and try to whittle them down to some kind of Top 10.

The bookmakers have Sweden as clear favourites at the time of writing - the full list of odds available can be seen here. They have been so wrong in previous years, though - remember the wonderful and much favoured operatic entry from France? Superb video and impeccable recorded performance but, on the night, it just didn't work live and the poor fellow finished up nearly last.

Country	Digital odds
Sweden	3.3
Italy	9.4
Russia	12.5
UK	14
Serbia	15.5
Denmark	18.5
Iceland	23
Romania	24
Spain	24
Germany	29
Ireland	29
Norway	34
Greece	36
Cyprus	50

odds as at 4pm 5 May 2012 from Betfair

Let's start with the Sweden entry and its main competition in that genre.

Sweden

It really will be down to how well the girl can recreate that atmosphere and performance on the live stage. Lighting, dance moves, the guy that's dancing around her, the force of the backing track - if they all come together then this is the one.

Cyprus

This is a crazily commercial and fun track. I've backed this from the start and if the singer can put the same amount of energy in as she puts into the live performances I've seen so far, and can be slightly less frightening with her expressions, with styling, clothes to make her look as pretty as in some of the photos too then she ought to be popular and, importantly, highly memorable too.

Malta

Another commercial track. It has a boring start - it begins to get going but then gets boring again but eventually settles into the good, commercial stuff with a satisfying, albeit predictable end. The guy's main competition is Norway but my guess is that Malta's man will be more reliable on the night and, for those who like this modern dance genre, I reckon Malta, despite heavy odds against at the moment, have a chance. I just don't see voters putting Malta above Sweden or Cyprus. He could get a good average across the board. Enough to make the Top 10 but not to win.

Norway

The group's lead singer is the best looking in the competition which won't do him any harm. It's a pretty catchy number and certainly will attract a good selection of votes. With an exceptional performance then he might just nudge Norway into the Top 10 but my feeling is that they'll be beaten by each of the three above and are a longer shot. With the split of votes amongst potential fans too, and several Skandanavian bloc entries already in strong positions, Norway could lose out with the geographical split in votes too.

Next the single singer ballads

Serbia

This is a good, solid and ready to go performer and you get the impression that he won't let his nation down on the night. He has a sparkle in his eye too which is bound to appeal to many. It's a professional, quite operatic affair, with a strong voice, better in some ranges than Englebert's. This is one of very few of the Balkan bloc entries that look like winners this year. For that reason, almost alone, it cannot be discounted as a potential winner as I can see Serbia getting high average placings from a good number of countries nearby.

UK

This is a great song for Eurovision and must represent UK's best bet for a while. There is nothing quite like it which means less split of votes amongst those who like this type of music. Englebert carries his own fan club across Europe too and there's bound to be a good number in enough countries' voting panels to ensure that he gets a broad range of support and, possibly, some high rankings too. Unless he turns on some extraordinary charm on the night (which is a possibility, especially at 76!) then UK will lose out to Serbia because of the Balkan bloc preferences. But UK should make the Top 10 safely.

Albania

The only other vague contender in the ballad line is Albania's extraordinary entry. The odds are way long on this and they may not even make it past the Semi Final. If they do, though, and how well they do will be a guide to their chances on the night, then, with a very impressive performance of this weaving and wailing, very passionate number, Albania might gather some votes from all quarters. Not enough to challenge potential winners but possibly enough to make the Top 10. Unlikely, in my view, if only because this could be so difficult to get right on both nights, but I wouldn't write them off yet.

Now, the popular vote countries. These are all very different but could do well just because of either who they are or sheer Eurovision appeal.

Iceland

With a wind machine and re-written to cut down a ridiculously long break near the end, and a spotlight on a well-styled violinist this very well produced track could get Iceland up there in the Top 5. Like Sweden's entry, it is atmospheric and very much its success and appeal will depend on how well the couple, and particularly the girl, perform on the night. The Semi Finals will provide a good guide to how it is likely to go down with voters more widely but Iceland do tend to do well and get consistently average scores each year. They are up against Sweden, though, both in style if not genre and, of course, in Skandinavian preference votes so I can't see this beating the favourites but it could make the Top 10 and knock some others out as a result.

Denmark

This is really the only US/BritPop style entry of note. That has to be good news for Denmark and the girl lead singer is pretty, bouncy and enthusiastic. She will appeal to lots of younger voters and, with a good, solid and fun performance this might even win. The very strong Skandinavian bloc entries this year will reduce Denmark's chances in some respects, though, but, being one of its kind, that may not matter so much and is a sure-fire Top 10 entry. Watch how they do in the Semis against Iceland, Cyprus and Russia for a guide as to what may happen on the night.

Ireland

Just the best song by a long way. But the worst singers. JEdward are popular, in a bizarre way, and got Lipstick in the Top 10 last year. This is a far, far better song, actually quite brilliant and, with anyone else singing it, I'd predict it as a winner. But JEdward? I really don't know. Watch how they do in the 2nd Semi Final against Sweden, Serbia, Malta and Norway. That will be very interesting and their odds will either shorten massively or stay where they are.

Russia

Oh dear. I am trying not to talk about this entry much. It is dreadful. But it is Russia and they do seem to get good votes from almost everyone on their borders - and that's a lot of support. You simply cannot discount the possibility of their getting enough good rankings across the board to do well. This must not win, please. But it will probably, much as I hate to say this, make the Top 10. There is also little decent competition from countries like Ukraine who usually diminish their chances a bit. That will make a big difference. Unfortunately.

Two others to watch:

France

Their video performance is very over-produced but beneath all the heavy bass and rhythm is a simple and very clever track. And a whistle. If they strip it down effectively on the night then France, who don't need to qualify first, could surprise us.

Italy

Another country that will be first challenged on the Final night. It's a good, slightly jazz, slightly commercial, slightly off-beat number that might get a lot of support amongst the undecided voters. I can see it being popular and not as affected by regional bloc preferences or political friend voting as many others. Italy could be the one that people vote for because it is a bit different and we haven't heard from this nation for a while either. It's a harmless vote and they may get enough mid-range rankings, not only to make it into the Top 10 but possibly Top 5. Winner? I don't think so.

So, this year is complicated. I cannot make a prediction yet. Sweden still has my vote but don't exclude UK, Serbia, Denmark or even Ireland at this stage. I don't think there are other potential winners, at least. But it is very complicated!

The Voice UK: If You Recorded It Just Play The Last 3 Tracks..

Mercifully no singing judges this week. Two more to go home tonight, one from each of Danny and Jesse's teams. That shouldn't be too difficult and even if the voters get it wrong I get the feeling Will's already got plans to get some on his books anyway. Jesse looks really pretty in the recorded mentor shots but tonight in the chair she looks like she's just dropped in after doing some vacuuming.

Toni

Proud Mary
So many artists wear wigs whether they've actually got any hair or not. Someone needs to tell her it's OK and will make her mouth less obvious as it is huge. Anyway what came out of it was a stop start, oh what shall I do now affair. Screech, yes, that's a good idea. And wave my hands about. Energetic. In tune, sure. But all a bit boring. Jessica did a far more impressive and professional version on American Idol this week. If they both released the record Jessica's would be the hit.

Max

Free Fallin'
Annoying audience. Excellent and different version of the Tom petty number. Reliable and very competent guy. Nice job. He'll be around for a while.

Ruth-Ann

Promise This
Tough song. Oddly out of tune and no rhythm. Pretty awful and not saved by some fancy notes at the end either, however good they were. Tom says "There's things in an 18 year old that come out." OK.

Hannah

Cry Me A River
You could tell from the start that she knew what she was doing. Or at least I thought I could but then she changed completely and that was odd. Back on track for a while but she never actually returned to the amazingly smart start she'd made. She's good. I didn't like it but she should stay, if the voters get it.

Vince

Always On My Mind
Classic, beautiful song. Crap, ugly treatment by this guy.

Alex

Dream A Little Dream Of Me
Remarkable. Loved it. laid back, very cool, junior Brat pack member there.

Cassius

Paradise
Not many people cover Coldplay songs. Cassius can't either. He could be good but needs to try something else next week. Luckily, he'll get a chance with Ruth-Ann in Jesse's team.

David

Sweet Disposition
No idea where this comes from but it's great. Nice track - difficult but very well performed by this guy who comes across as one of the best this week. And by quite a way out of those we've seen so far.

Becky

Good Luck
This girl is a natural. Rough and ready. Performs out of the box and you can see she's really enjoying being good at what she does. Owned not just the stage but several platforms around it too. Very well done.

Bo

Running Up That Hill
Wow. This lady is fabulous. Everyone sat spellbound as she weaved some kind of magic with this song. Absolutely perfectly delivered and, yes, with genuine passion too. Another ready-made star tonight.

Bye Ruth-Ann and Vince. Hello Max, David, Becky and Bo.

The automatic finalists' entries for #Eurovision

Here are the last six reviews - the five founding nations of the contest who get automatic entry to the final and the host country. France and UK are the main ones to watch out for.

Germany

Nice ballad, well-written and performed. A likely hit across Europe but not a winning Eurovision entry. I can't quite put my finger on why but I think Engelbert wins out on tracks like this, despite his age.

Spain

You'll have to go here to see the Spanish entry for some reason best known to the organisers and their lawyers. after a quiet start and slow build there's a lot of passion and it is remarkably well sung. It lacks something, though, to really make it memorable. A good effort but not a winner this year either for one of the major players.

Azerbaijan

They'll get plenty of mid-range votes as the host. An oval-faced, hard-voiced girl sings this year and, whilst she is spot-on with the notes and all that, the song itself isn't that great and we'll be looking for another venue next year.

Italy

Boom boom boom. No, it's not that bad at all! In fact this is a highly complex track that is performed really well by the girl. maybe it's too clever for the Eurovision audience, though, and a touch over-produced. Certainly the video version was. A nice effort from Italy, who we don't see much of these days. I'd like to see it do well but it could just struggle to get the left hand side of the board.

France

Now this is a clever entry. the whistle is really really catchy and the girl is really really pretty. Add the fact that she can sing well and this is a potential winner and has to be top 5 unless the live performance fails to inspire. The video is good and, of course, much depends on what she wears, who does the whistling etc. Nevertheless, if you watch this you will remember it and that, to a great extent, is what matters when attracting Eurovision voters.

UK

I've dealt with Engelbert before so don't need to repeat his video here. As I said then, 45 years ago I would have turned off the radio at the merest possibility of his songs being played but I'm a bit older now and ahve to put all that behind me somehow! It is a very well crafted song and he can be relied on to do a great job with it on the night. There will be votes for the song, votes for the guy so he's sure to do reasonably well. Win? I don't see it but, if the voters like ballads, JEdward mess up the vocals, several pretty girls split the pretty girl vote and malta and Norway fight over theirs then the UK do have a chance.

The Voice UK Top 20 Pt2 Review

In no particular order... Now, where have I heard that before?! Quite surprised to see several of them wearing exactly the same dresses as last night. Odd. Maybe the BBC's budget didn't stretch to two.

This is the results show. Mercifully short and Tom has to choose between Gandalf & The Fringe and Sam. I'd thought Sam would have got the granny vote but clearly there weren't enough and it would have been a reasonable bet that the odd couple would get the lowest votes.

Will.i.am had to choose between Joelle and Sophie. Not the two I would have predicted so that's an interesting guide to who's voting.

Lana Del Rey is the guest act. Nice to see she's not miming to a backing track so that's one good feature of the Beeb production. Having said that, either her mic was malfunctioning, my ears are no good any more or her diction is virtually non-existent. Pity, because her song-writing produces some of the more interesting lyrics but I have no idea what that was about.

I do like the way she just stands there and doesn't feel it's necessary to prance around. Reminds me of Florence of similar style and genre but without the big show and maybe better for that.

Tom sends Sam home. Didn't expect that. Nor did Gandalf & The Fringe. Let's hope they do more Fleetwood Mac next week and not Nina & Frederick. Sam hoped that it wasn't the end for him, whatever that means. No-one liked to tell him that it probably was.

Will.i.am keeps Joelle which seems reasonable. Hopefully he'll get her a new dress in a colour other than salmon now. Sophie was, in my view, the better in terms of a modern artist but he could be right about Joelle - she is probably the more reliable. I see a commercial number from her next time.

So that's it. Hollie is a good presenter but is just a little bit too warm and cosy for a show like this. Reggie sounds like he's reading the autocue - not as wooden as Steve Jones thank goodness but still pretty boring to watch. The whole programme lacks spark and sparkle. Everyone is professional - perhaps just a bit too much so. It's only when Danny or Jessie let loose that it tends to come alive.

The Voice UK - everyone seems very nice. That's all, really.

Will.i.am and Tom Jones' 10 acts start the live shows off as The Voice UK gets properly under way. If you recorded it you may want to fast forward through a terrible performance by the four judges at the start. However brilliant they may be in their own right, they were not very good together at all. In fact you could run right through and see the summaries at the end and you will not have missed a great deal. Generally, yes, a far higher standard of vocal ability than the Top 20 of X Factor or American Idol give you at this stage but there's something missing.

Joelle

The very last bit was good. Maybe she'll do Roberta Flack next. Reliable performer to start the show but not very inspiring. Dated, 90s sub-Beyonce style. One of the few 'normal' contestants, though, which is in her favour and she'll stay a while.

Sam

The BGT entry, grandmas will love this odd fellow. Oh isn't he a dear, I can hear them saying. Hilarious to watch, initially, but that'll soon wear off. He does have a great voice in the higher range and an Erasure track sounded pretty good. He's entertaining, I suppose. Well, for some.

Frances

More today than the first two with a nice Lulu-esque raunchy sound. If the show is about a talent for today's market then she could do well. The oldies won't get her, though.

Adam

Another odd chap. He has a disturbing manner and vacant look. Does a Foo Fighter's rock track which was rubbish to start but ended in some style. The very strange persona, though, makes strange television and he won't last unless someone sorts him out or ends up as the only young male and gets the girlie vote, if his mannerisms don't put them off too.

Jazz

With a name like Jazz Ellington he's off to a good start. Everyone says how brilliant he is but I thought he was off key. Clearly I have a lot to learn. We'll see more of this guy for sure - with so many accolades he'll get plenty of votes and is, at least vaguely normal.

Leanne

A superb singer and Tom did well by getting her to do a Pink number instead of some anthem. Excellent performance, maybe one of the most natural and, although still middle-of-the-road and hardly likely to hit big time in the charts after Christmas is over, she is in the right genre to attract a good number of votes across the board.

Sophie

This youngster suddenly seemed to wake up after a dodgy start and produced a pretty cool performance. She deserves to get through but, once again, much depends on the audience and how she appeals to it.

Matt & Sueleen

Choosing Tom as their mentor by flipping a coin was bad manners and plain wrong in the audition round. However, he still chose them in the battle round so I guess that's been forgiven. An odd couple - seems to be the norm though for this show at the moment! The old bloke with the Gandalf hair and beard did an good job and, together, they produced a good cover of the Fleetwood Mac number. That's about it, though. No-one's going to rush to their gigs.

Tyler

Amy Winehouse's friend, we get told each week. Looks like he's been sleeping rough for months and yet another weirdo. Vaguely reasonable track and he puts his own interpretation on things well but a future successful big name artist? I doubt it.

Ruth

I don't know what they put in her hair but it made this teenager look about 85. She also wore a ridiculously silly short yellow dress which, bearing in mind her pretty massive size, made her look like a cartoon character and bending down was definitely not a decent possibility. Luckily she didn't. What she did do was warble away amazingly well, totally naturally and believably too. The audience went mad which, assuming that it didn't comprise solely her relatives, is a fair indication that she'll be way ahead in the votes this week. To be honest, the others are pretty forgettable already.

I think Danny and Jessie's contestants have more interesting talents which we'll discover next week. First, though, all eyes will be on the votes for this lot which might provide a guide to the Voice electorate and thus what chance the few potential stars may have.

All in all, now that the perverse selection process is over, this is not much different to the other programmes I  review, more BGT than X Factor so far and whereas X Factor and Idol have a clear aim - to produce a new chart act that will sell, for better or worse, and entertain us in the meantime - I can't quite put my finger on what The Voice UK is meant to do. I suspect that might depend very much on who reaches the final stages.