How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? - Episode 4

All ten parade out on stage singing I Have Confidence In Me. Not a bad production number. The Conan O’Brian marionette introduces the judges. He asks them if they have anything to add to what they had to say last episode. Barrowman tells the woman they must “Turn the Maria dial up tenfold.” To 11, John? Elaine advises them that how they handle the pressure of live performance that will be the determining factor. We learned that, as musical director, Simon Lee will be the only vote on which of the final two returns to life she knows it.

We cut to Austria and clips of ALW walking the woman around Salzburg. I still don’t get why they are doing this – if it was a musical written by an Austrian, maybe.

After a brief recap of last night, Crawford lines the contestants up dressed in their Maria outfits and starts announcing the results.

He tease Elicia, Donna and Allie with long pauses that are finally followed by the announcement that all three have made it through to the next round.

Janna and Tamara and Marisa are called. The first two make it through as well. Marisa is told to remain where she is.

Jayme and Kyla are safe.

We are left with Katie, Alison and Marisa. Only one is safe and it’s Katie. Crawford tell them they are the least favorite based on viewer voting, but this being Canada, the viewers are very sorry.

Marisa and Alison will do a duet on Webber’s Trouble in Paradise. They go right into it, which is clearly tough on the two women. Both stand stiffly but sing well. There is absolutely nothing in the performances to distinguish one from the other.

Lee first tells them that he agrees with the Canadian public – they are the two weakest. And I have to say, we are all in agreement. Marisa’s Jolene and Alison’s I’m Every Woman sucked. With no build up, he sacks Alison.

Almost cruelly, she must join the others and perform as the subject of So Long, Farewell and sing her final good-bye. Guess they are going to do this to all but one of finalists. Ouch