Oz: Blog: Andrew makes his final choice and the final three are revealed

Another Sunday night at Dorothy HQ, another sing-off and more nerves that you could shake a broomstick at. For the penultimate time we take our seats as Stu (our inexcusably tall warm-up guy) hurls sweets, mugs and t-shirts at anyone who shouts loud enough. Needless to say we left with an armful of memorabilia!

A fine performance by the girls to open the show and a quick chat from the panel as we spy a gaggle of dancers at the side of the stage – umbrellas and raincoats in hand. Was there a leak? Was the studio about to flood? The answer – no. It quickly became clear we were in for another “mash-up”. Cue Graham’s waving arms and another comedy quip from the Lord himself. As the cameras, cranes and backstage crew scooted into position we hastily tried to work out what songs would be given the “mash-up” treatment this week. I’m sure you’ve already guessed what was coming but I’m afraid to say we were rather embarrassingly slow off the mark. Singing in the Rain followed by Rhianna’s smash hit Umbrella – “ella, ella, ey ey.” I’ve already put in several calls to the “mash-up” helpline as Graham suggested – who comforted me and assured me that our winning Dorothy is guaranteed to be a West End Smash. Get it?

Being a West End leading lady is no easy job, and no-one knows this more than Love Never Dies star Sierra Boggess – who visited the girls during rehearsals in the week. Offering words of wisdom and advice to our four remaining Dorothy’s, she explained how landing the iconic role will change their lives. No pressure then! And as a special treat the American-born actress performed the title track from Andrew’s new musical, a breathtaking performance from a true leading lady of the West End. Bravo Sierra!

As the search for Dorothy nears its conclusion so does the search for Dorothy’s four legged friend Toto. In this week’s pooch task our furry friends were required to pull back the curtain to reveal the Wizard of Oz – well Andrew, but didn’t he make a great Wizard! After a quick pampering session our canine chums were ready to perform – or not, as stage fright and nerves began to set in. It was down to the Lord to award one of our hopeful Toto’s with the weeks winning rosette… which went to the largest of our hounds – Troy. With only one week left before our winning Toto is crowned top dog – who will be our Pedigree Chum and who will be left with their tails between their legs?

And so down to the business end of the evening. The dreaded sing-off. The oversized ruby slippers turn outwards and the stage crew hastily assemble the glass staircase. In front of us sit Team Sophie, to our left Team Steph and on the other side of the studio Team Lauren and Team Danielle – fingers crossed, toes crossed, praying for the result to go their way. The tension almost unbearable. Then – Graham announces that Steph and Lauren are in the bottom two. Audible gasps and shouts of disbelief. Sophie and Danielle have made it through to next weeks final – leaving Lauren and Steph to sing for the Lord’s saving vote. Performing Another Suitcase in Another Hall from Evita in the semi-finals of Over the Rainbow would be daunting enough, but to do so in front of the composer and lyricist must be utterly terrifying. With the singing over (and tears welling) it was down to one man to decide – and as Andrew agonised over his decision the tension in the audience was palpable. Who would the Lord go for?

“I’m going to save Lauren.”

And with that 21 year old Steph crashed out of the competition. As Lauren joined her finalists the audience, the Lord and the panel (and Tim Rice) leapt to their feet to applaud Steph. It took Graham several attempts to quell the spontaneous applause and deafening cheers before the Lord proclaimed that Steph had a long career ahead of her. We concur!

We all knew what was coming – Steph handed her slippers back and sailed away on the moon. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as the audience once again leapt to their feet. A fitting tribute to a truly great performer.

So – we have our final three. Sophie, Danielle and Lauren. We’ll be back next week for the live finals where only one girl will be crowned your Dorothy. Who will it be? As Graham says – “don’t ask me!”

AndrewLloydWebber.com

Oz: Blog: Andrew makes his final choice and the final three are revealed