Good bye Sabrina, Hello 80s
Australian Idol 
/ Vin Lowe / 03 October 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now
The less than shocking exit of Sabrina Batshon means we can finally get back to the performances rather than personalities, writes Jayme Jenkins.
Joining Sabrina on the elimination stage this week was Kim Cooper and Nathan Brake. After eliminations, Nathan led 80s night with Bon Jovi's 'Living On A Prayer'. Although he did lift his game in this performance, I don't think it will be enough to keep him from eliminations next week.
Kim Cooper continued to over-think her performance of 'You Keep Me Hangin' On'. The judges commented that it didn't seem natural. Her inability to relax and feel the music makes her the top pick for elimination this week.
Tim Johnson continues to teeter on the cusp of weekly elimination, one week he's in, the next he is safe. He got away unscathed last week, so I predict he will be back up for elimination this week, but will probably escape the chopping block once again.
One contestant that seems to be flying under the radar is Hayley Warner. She took idol one step further this week by playing drums while singing Bruce Springsteen's 'Dancing In the Dark'. She is one of the few contestants willing to take a real risk. Even though Dicko didn't love her performance, she is in with a good chance of making it to the final three and waving the flag for the ever decreasing number of females in this competition.
Another dark horse is James Johnston; he has been floating around the middle of the pack, but as the group dwindles, his places moves a little higher. This week he sang 'Power of Love' and as with his previous performances he seems to keep getting better and better. Scott Newnham had better watch out, if James continues to improve at his current rate, they could be head to head fighting for one of the top three spots.
Without a doubt the best performer in Australian Idol 09 is Stan Walker. He is a joy to watch on stage and no matter what genre, he has found songs that suit him perfectly. Even though there are still eight more eliminations to go, I would put my money on Stan to go all the way.
