The critics certainly didn't seem too happy with the idea last year. That said, when TSOM actually opened, the critics were very kind to Connie (and by implication Andrew) and gave her great reviews.

Connie was not my favourite person in the competition last year, but there is no denying that she was more than competent. It remains to be seen whether this years winner will be similarly proficient and if they are, then I imagine the critics will be as generous as they were last year.


That said, ALW's strategy was much safer (and more straightforward) last year. He got rid of the contestants who were patently unsuited to the role (Simona, Leanne, Belinda) and after that, judged on vocal ability. It wasn't a perfect approach as he didn't particularly take acting ability into it, thus ending up with Siobhan rather than Aoife in the final, but it was better than this year's 'I'm not at all sure what I'm looking for' tactic that has seen some very strong performers leave before their time.

Tourists also fill our West End Theatres (along with Theatre Breaks), they would not know who Schofield was, so they are not going to know who Lee is? - I still think BEN or Lewis may just pull it off with the public vote.

How many times have Ben and Lewis been voted into the sing-off by the public????? We're not exactly talking once here.... for whatever reason, they are not as popular with the public as Lee and Keith.

Do you really honestly believe that Saturday night they're going to name Keith and Lee in the sing-off?????

Well it happened to Daniel

Im hoping Lee WONT be in the sing off though.

Given that there are only four of them left, I think at this stage it will come down to song choices and performances on the night. We all know that if Ben, for instance, gets the right song he could bring the house down. Subpar performances from either Lee or Keith could easily land them where they don't want to be.

No - Lee has been front runner from the start, Keith has the scottish vote (and thats big). Keith is possibly in the lead. I supported scotland football team not because they are good but because of heritage even though I was born in england and lived in england all my life. One thing about the scots - they are patriotic. Nothing to be ashamed about but what bothers me is I haven't seen keith act out a song unless it's a ballard. But hey as JB says Joseph sings mostly ballads. What do I know.???????????

Whoever wins will have a few weeks time before opening night. We have seen what a few weeks can do to the guys. Rehearsals will be intense and focused on Joseph and not on all kinds of different (pop)song styles. They don't have to learn new songs every week but can perfect their performance.

Since the role is not that complicated and the songs not that technically difficult I am sure all four of them will be able to play Joseph properly. If they can attract an audience is questionable for all, tv-viewers are not all theater visitors. ADWD is a totally different kind of entertainment than the musical.

Ok, I want Lee....

Well here is one Scot who will only be voting for Lee and I have friends and family up here who feel the same way. I'm worried sick because I am going on holiday tomorrow and I've left instructions for my friends all to put any extra vote in for Lee for me. I'm usually a '3rd' person fan but hopefully I can book up my London trip to see Lee whenI get back.

I don't believe Lee will come 3rd, its about time he got his break and i for one thinks he deserves it. Really don't think he will be in bottom 2. He has been consistently good every week showing his all round abilities.

As Rachey27 said, DANIEL he had never been in the bottom two? - everyone thought he was a cert for the Final!

I've just kept saying it is too close to call for the Final, while others seem so confident that is it just a matter of going through the motions now to win???

...... and I'm another

I think the point Gellymiss was trying to make was that Lewis and Ben have both been in the bottom 2 several times already which would mean their popularity has been in doubt all along.....

If ALW makes the wrong choice, will it be a flop?

I doubt it. Many people have bought tickets already; and even if their favourite does not win and they don't want to go and see the show anymore, it won't be a flop. I doubt many people would be as stupid as to throw £50 in the bin; they'll probably just sell them on eBay or something to people who do want to go.

I don't believe Lee will be in the sing-off (the hype surrounding him is too great for that) but if he deservedly should, I think ALW would be making the right choice by eliminating the distinctly over-rated one.

Just got in and seen vid of the show. Fantastic duet with Lee and Lewis...indicating the kid (Lewis) is more than capable of taking the role and giving a more than passably good peformance vocally. His solo was also pretty good too.

Not surprised however that he was in the sing-off with Ben and that in the end Ben was the one ALW felt he had to let go. Ben's a nice kid and as he himself said a born showman so I can't imagine anyone could feen any pleasure at dumping him but I am positive he'll thrive in other openings. Lewis was appreciably the better of the two and for once it looks as if ALW did the right thing!

Keith could do it effortlessly, I think and though I must say Lee is a superb professional I was rather disappointed with his solo turn tonight but the duet more than made up for it!

As for who'll take the prize next week, I think it's now very much an open question but possibly Lee will just clip the others to the winning post?!