Post by Inside Australian Idol on May 17, 2004 1:27:50 GMT 10
We're the ones they didn't want
By ELISSA DOHERTY and MICHAEL DIGGINS
May 16, 2004
OLIVIA Newton John and John Travolta we weren't – but we sure gave it a good try.
That is, until the fourth line of our chosen song, the Grease classic You're The One That I Want. All that practice, all that hype, and the wheels came off our audition for Ten's Australian Idol in less than 20 seconds.
Day one of auditions – which attracted more than 1000 hopefuls to the Hotel Adelaide International in North Adelaide – started on a high note.
Resplendent in our Grease-inspired costumes complete with gold cross and red stilletos, we stood out like a couple of T-Birds from the pack of Britney and Christina clones.
With fresh tips from one of last year's finalists, Adelaide's Kelly Cavuoto, we were ready to wow the judges.
But, as they say, pride comes before a fall. And we were given a reality check when the honeyed notes of the contestant before us wafted through the air-conditioning vents.
Yet our "fall" came a lot earlier than we expected.
After some polite chatter much like five-year-olds in the principal's office with the judges, Michael kicked off our hearty rendition: "I've got chills, they're multiplying ... "
But as our "John Travolta" dropped to his knees with the fourth line: "It's electrifying", "Olivia" lost the plot and broke into uncontrollable laughter.
It didn't help that Michael started in the wrong key. Or that Elissa was rooted to the ground like a deer caught in headlights, despite a well-rehearsed dance routine.
Or, perhaps, that neither of us could hold a note.
You see, knowing we were somewhat lacking in the vocal department, we were relying quite heavily on our rug-cutting abilities – and costumes – to pull us through. Dress to impress, they say. Confidence is everything. If you are having an off day but look the part, it might just save you from the chop.
But with no backing music, Elissa, a usual dancing force, stood there like a stunned mullett as Michael over-compensated with moves akin to an Irish jig.
We soon realised that auditions are a sudden-death environment and, although we muddled our way through the verse and chorus, by then we'd lost our edge.
But, for reasons we still fail to comprehend, the preliminary judges – who determine whether we make the final cull – felt we didn't have an edge to begin with.
"You had no connection," said one despairingly, with his head in his hands.
"Out of 10, I give you two – one point each," smirked another.
At least we're not in the minuses, we observed with more hope than knowledge. They must say this to every wannabe.
So, under our delusions of grandeur, we forged on. Would singing lessons, perhaps, transform us into Idols?
More stunned faces met the question.
Yet still the message had not sunk in and so, mustering up every ounce of courage, we meekly squeaked: "Do you think we have a future in showbiz?"
To which came the terse reply: "Stick to journalism."
But all is not lost, with parting words to Elissa: "You look like a star, ditch the bloke."
Auditions continue today at the hotel. There is no cap on the number of spots up for grabs from city to city.
However, only about 100 people nationwide will go through to the final auditions in Sydney.
Successful Adelaide acts will return tomorrow and Tuesday to perform for judges Ian "Dicko" Dickson, Mark Holden and Marcia Hines.
Those who make the cut will fly to Sydney in mid-June for another culling process to determine the final 40 contestants.
The Advertiser
news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9575270%255E2682,00.html
By ELISSA DOHERTY and MICHAEL DIGGINS
May 16, 2004
OLIVIA Newton John and John Travolta we weren't – but we sure gave it a good try.
That is, until the fourth line of our chosen song, the Grease classic You're The One That I Want. All that practice, all that hype, and the wheels came off our audition for Ten's Australian Idol in less than 20 seconds.
Day one of auditions – which attracted more than 1000 hopefuls to the Hotel Adelaide International in North Adelaide – started on a high note.
Resplendent in our Grease-inspired costumes complete with gold cross and red stilletos, we stood out like a couple of T-Birds from the pack of Britney and Christina clones.
With fresh tips from one of last year's finalists, Adelaide's Kelly Cavuoto, we were ready to wow the judges.
But, as they say, pride comes before a fall. And we were given a reality check when the honeyed notes of the contestant before us wafted through the air-conditioning vents.
Yet our "fall" came a lot earlier than we expected.
After some polite chatter much like five-year-olds in the principal's office with the judges, Michael kicked off our hearty rendition: "I've got chills, they're multiplying ... "
But as our "John Travolta" dropped to his knees with the fourth line: "It's electrifying", "Olivia" lost the plot and broke into uncontrollable laughter.
It didn't help that Michael started in the wrong key. Or that Elissa was rooted to the ground like a deer caught in headlights, despite a well-rehearsed dance routine.
Or, perhaps, that neither of us could hold a note.
You see, knowing we were somewhat lacking in the vocal department, we were relying quite heavily on our rug-cutting abilities – and costumes – to pull us through. Dress to impress, they say. Confidence is everything. If you are having an off day but look the part, it might just save you from the chop.
But with no backing music, Elissa, a usual dancing force, stood there like a stunned mullett as Michael over-compensated with moves akin to an Irish jig.
We soon realised that auditions are a sudden-death environment and, although we muddled our way through the verse and chorus, by then we'd lost our edge.
But, for reasons we still fail to comprehend, the preliminary judges – who determine whether we make the final cull – felt we didn't have an edge to begin with.
"You had no connection," said one despairingly, with his head in his hands.
"Out of 10, I give you two – one point each," smirked another.
At least we're not in the minuses, we observed with more hope than knowledge. They must say this to every wannabe.
So, under our delusions of grandeur, we forged on. Would singing lessons, perhaps, transform us into Idols?
More stunned faces met the question.
Yet still the message had not sunk in and so, mustering up every ounce of courage, we meekly squeaked: "Do you think we have a future in showbiz?"
To which came the terse reply: "Stick to journalism."
But all is not lost, with parting words to Elissa: "You look like a star, ditch the bloke."
Auditions continue today at the hotel. There is no cap on the number of spots up for grabs from city to city.
However, only about 100 people nationwide will go through to the final auditions in Sydney.
Successful Adelaide acts will return tomorrow and Tuesday to perform for judges Ian "Dicko" Dickson, Mark Holden and Marcia Hines.
Those who make the cut will fly to Sydney in mid-June for another culling process to determine the final 40 contestants.
The Advertiser
news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9575270%255E2682,00.html
