Nick: Hmm, I’d been primed with the words “Ray of Light” before this started and, well, I can see where they’re coming from with that. I’d say it was pretty contemporary, and then I’d remember how old Ray of Light actually is and think … are we a couple of years too late here? Looks a fairly simple performance, but it is only the first rehearsal. I’m worried that it might be a bit “Oh, that’s nice enough” – which it is – but might not be the one that convinces Mrs Bloggs in Chorlton cum Hardy to say “That’s the one!!!!”. I won’t be hitting “Skip track” when it comes on me iPod, anyway. There seems to be a major kung fu battle going on behind her.
Phil: It is the best I have seen so far this very long day, and it has backing dancers with swords and everything prancing about behind her. If does have a touch of the kitchen sink about it – i.e. she throws everything into her performance and, when she sings, it tends to be a bit shouty – which Roy likes, but I think detracts from the song. She also tends to run out of breath at the end of the song, so basically, it is “look at what you could have won”. Overall, though, a better package than most today. And she does not yet have THAT NF Dress. And she has Pyrotechnics!