Tara is Third to Leave

In The third week of voting, Tara was booted off the show in a face-off against Keisha. The 24 year old was ranked lowest by Andrew Lloyd Webber as he showed concern over the "eight shows a week" aspect of the prize.

Eight shows a week seemed to be on the lips of all the judges this week. When asked for his opinion on who was best and who was worst, John Barrowman noted that Samantha was his favourite, whereas Tara "Did not have the vocal range or stamina for eight shows a week." Barry Humphries agreed with Barrowman stating her style was "too modern" for the part. Denise Van Outen, on the other hand, championed Niamh as "outstanding" and Sarah as "Sassy" whilst naming Keisha as the worst of the week. Interesting enough that both the judges and the public picked the same two girls to sing in the face off.

The ten hopeful contestants performed a rendition of "Good Morning Baltimore" from Hairspray at the beginning of Sunday's show, shortly before being told who will stay and who will go. After the votes were counted and verified, Tara and Keisha were selected to take part in the sing off where Andrew Lloyd Webber had the final say. Whilst Keisha won the lowest amount of votes from the public, it was her voice and determination which won her a place in the next round.

For the sing off, the two girls performed a duet of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with Keisha taking the lead followed by Tara. Both girls gave their all to a rapturous applause from the crowd but one Nancy inevitably had to leave. Andrew Lloyd Webber had a tough decision to make with the two "very talented performers", but he had to think about who had the best "connection with the material itself", thus choosing to save Keisha.

The "lovely cheeky poppy Tara" was understandably teary eyed as she was told she would have to leave the show but held her head high regardless. The loser said, "I would just like to say I have had the most amazing experience, I have learnt so much from these amazing teachers and about myself... good luck to all the lovely girls."

Tara said her farewells to the rest of the competition and the show itself. Her performance of "As Long as he Needs Me" earned her a standing ovation from the crowd and the other not a single dry eye from the rest of the competition.

In other I'd Do Anything news, the saxophone playing, skinny-jean wearing Arthur was given his golden ticket to the semi-final in a few weeks time. The youngster was ecstatic to be put through to the next stage of the show and lead the cast of boys in their version of "A Whole New World" from Aladdin on Sunday's Show.

Published by: Jon Lane.