Round Five Recordings & Comments

Jessica Mennella

"Stars & Moon" from Songs for A New World

Amy says: "I thought this was a nice choice for you, life-wise. You could have lived this. I could tell you really love this song. You had a nice, easy sound that I would have liked to have heard in earlier rounds. I had a couple of vowel placement complaints (ironically your "ahs" are too covered, but your "ihs" are usually FABULOUS! which most singers have troubles with), but since you have advanced this far, I will focus on the overall performance. As you know, I have questioned a couple of your choices on this journey. But you hit the jackpot on this one, kiddo, and have definitely won me over as a fan on your last few outings. Great job and great competition!"

Helen says: "You've shown such growth through the competition and only disappointed me once. This is you back to what you do best. Perfect choice for you. You still need to work on opening up that top note a little more. Excellent storytelling, excellent shape to the song and great control. I understood and believed every word. Fantastic."

Kaitlyn Stobbe

"Astonishing" from Little Women

Amy says: "I thought this song really lacked the energy and intensity that it had in original form. YOu are actually not far from the correct age of this character, but Jo is something unique for her time, and I thought although you sing so well, that you missed the spirit of this song. However, you are still very talented and have great things in store and have proven that time and time again throughout the competition."

Helen says: "This is the first time I've heard this song as "Little Women" hasn't reached Australia yet. You sang beautifully as always, but I felt that the character of Jo wasn't fully realised in the performance. Jo is brash, confident and a real tomboy and your portrayal was a little too "nice". Nevertheless, your vocal technique was excellent throughout the piece and you did a great job of contrasting the sections. Kaitlyn, you should consider working with a drama coach to help you make the most of your extraordinary talent."

Michael Campbell

"Empty Chairs & Empty Tables" from Les Miserables

Amy says: "You have really impressed me consistently throughout this competition, although this wasn't my favorite of your performances. Your diction was great, but I thought the tone was not as full as you have produced at other points in this competition. Although--I will say your high notes were nice, especially for this show period. Keep up the career--you seem very versatile and I wish you all the luck in the world as you continue your journey ."

Helen says: "I'm so glad you chose this song as it is perfect for your voice and it's one of my favourite ballads. Great overall shape to the song. Be careful of aspirating at the start of words beginning with a vowel, as in "Hempty" instead of "Empty". There was honesty in the performance, but you could have achieved more emotional depth if you'd explored the "survivor guilt" that Marius feels in this song. Thank you for a lovely performance."