I'd Do Anything - Modern Classic Pop Songs

We are now down to eight Nancys and the competition is stronger than ever with still no clear leader - unlike the predecessors of these shows.

Niamh opened the show tonight singing "Valerie." This Amy Winehouse song was obviously well out of Niamh's comfort zone - whilst the vocals were good as ever, the movements were wooden and she looked very uncomfortable with the whole thing. The panel found problems with her diction tonight and felt her performance lacked punch and Andrew felt the choreography didn't help. For the first time I fear Niamh could be in danger this week.

Bookies' favourite Rachel was next singing Avril Lavigne's "I Believe I'm With You." She was told by the panel that this performance set the standard for the night and whilst it was a competent and secure performance I found it somewhat forgettable. Denise told Rachel that she wants to see something warmer and more personal from Rachel next week. However, the panel were generally in agreement that Rachel always delivers week after week.

Jessie had practised all week to become more ladylike - unfortunately this seemed to have the adverse effect, according to the panel, of removing the essence of Jessie. However, singing, "Stop," Jessie did seem to act more this week, although she did appear very inhibited. The panel seem to be more critical of Jessie as the weeks go by, maybe regretting their earlier praise for her.

Sarah was up next, singing Alanis Morissette's "Ironic" Sarah, for me, just gets better and better each week and really acts in her performances. The panel still feel, however, that she's a little too 'girl next door' but concede that she is a very intelligent performer and probably the best actress so far in the competition but needs to find a little more edge. I can easily see Sarah in the final of the competition.

Keisha sang, "I'm Outta Love," an Anastascia song which is far more suited to a pop singer than a musical theatre actress. Keisha had had throat problems this week and this may have accounted for her odd cracked notes - the panel told her it was probably her best performance so far, but Keisha is clearly on borrowed time in this competition.

Ashley was desperately trying to win Andrew Lloyd-Webber over following his harsh comments to her last week. I thought she gave a pretty credible rendition of Streisand's "Evergreen," which is a very big song to tackle - however the panel found it cheesy with flat notes and Andrew still doesn't believe she could hold the attention of a West End audience. Ashley's days are obviously very numbered now.

We then had a short 'Oliver' break - and it was decided that Alexander would be the next Oliver to go through to the semi-finals. I still feel many of these Olivers are already looking too mature for the role - bearing in mind it'll be another eight months before they take to the stage - however the older ones, on the whole, still seem to be selected in preference to the younger ones.

The final two Nancys to perform were Samantha and Jodie. The panel were full of praise for Samantha tonight. Singing, "Since You've Been Gone," Sam showed she had bags of edge and Nancy attitude but was warned against being too shouty. Andrew told her she was fantastic and had been on the furthest journey of any of the girls in the competition. Barry called her totally watchable and John said she was superb.

Jodie gave another stunning performance tonight and proves that, despite being a lot older than many of the other girls, she is very much a contender. Jodie sang "I Have Nothing," and Denise told her it was a fearless performance. John said for him it was the performance of the evening and Andrew was totally engaged by her performance.

For me, at this point in time, there are only four Nancys who can possibly perform this role - but yet again, most annoyingly, we have to wait 24 hours for the results show. In the meantime, you can discuss the show in the I'd Do Anything forum