Now that the Stars of the Future season three is running at full blast,
Fridays have become a regular date for live show music enthusiasts at
the National Theatre. Last Friday’s Pop Night was definitely one of the
best.

The contestants, the backing band, the atmosphere, in fact everything appeared kosher for the evening. There were none of the fumbling, the forgotten lyrics and stage fright that characterised the earlier week’s episode as the young guys and girls entertained and excited the audience from start to finish.

Unfortunately for Lauretta, her dream of becoming a star ended at that show as she became the second evictee last Wednesday. She had a mediocre night like last week as she sang Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody and the voters decided it was time for her to go.

Backed by a live band, they all chose songs from very well known artistes to which the audience sang along but they were far from easy to sing.

Joseph set the pace for the evening with a great rendition of George Michael’s Careless Whisper. That guy really knows which songs are appropriate for his voice and how to woo an audience with his moves.

But if some of the contestants, like Sheila, are not careful, they may be on the next bus out soon. Perhaps, the fact that she chose a crowd favourite, These Words by Natasha Bedingfield, was what earned her the cheers of the audience and not her act because she did not do too well.

Ike may have earned favourable comments from the judges and some screaming from the audience with his performance of Sean Kingston’s Me Love but he did not do too well.

Perhaps he could have chosen a song that would have shown off his vocal range better because he was too flat. He definitely is an entertainer and that will perhaps work in his favour for a while.

David won judge Bibie and the audience over to his side when he sang last week and it was no different as he performed Kisses in the Moonlight by George Benson last Friday.  That guy sure has the moves to go with his smooth voice and he definitely blew the audience away.

Dan won over judge Doreen to his side as he gave an impressive rendition of Angel by Lionel Richie. She felt he had a good night and had projected very well so everyone could clearly hear him. He also showed that he was a true entertainer as he involved the audience in his performance.
Adina finally came out of her shell to give one of the best performances of the night as she sang Take A Bow by Rihanna. Looking a bit like Rihanna herself with her hairstyle, she exuded the confidence that got her through the auditions and definitely boosted the morale of her fans who cheered her on after her act. In recognition of her hard work, she received the MTN Golden Moment Award during the eviction show.

If Anita should maintain the high standard she has set for herself and the other contestants over the next weeks, she would make a prophet out of Zapp Mallet who has already said she ought to be in the final four.

She won even more fans last Friday as she comfortably sang Fantasia Barrino’s When I See You. Doreen gave her highest praise when she told her, she was the new Fantasia. Wow, that girl can really sing.

Adwoa had a bad night the previous week but recovered to make a good impression when she performed Infatuation by Christina Aguilera.

She did not show any of the anxiety that made her forget her lyrics during her first performance and she looked very relaxed on stage. She was however, drowned out at some points by the backing vocalists.

Deborah also showed an improvement when she sang Jordin Spark’s Tattoo and the audience showed their approval with their cheers.
All judge Bibie could say was that she should hold the song till it ends because it looked like she fell flat towards the end.

Stephanie seems to have all the qualities of a star with her attitude and her sense of style and if only she could sing very well, the package would be complete.

She had an ok night again this week as she sang Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis. Even though she heeded the judges’ advice to work both sides of the stage, she did not do as well as she was expected to.

Tomorrow is Ghanaian music night at the National Theatre and if last week’s show is anything to go by, then one can expect another high quality performance.

Story by Linda Safoa Antwi