The problem with Maria

[robertson]

Something about the final of BBCTV's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria stank to me. Was Connie really that much better than the others? I didn't think so. Yet the panel certainly did, making it so clear from the outset that they wanted her to win, Siobhan and Helena might as well have stayed at home. Can't see what they see in her myself - just OTT behaviour and mannerisms and an air of clinical coldness. But then I'd have plumped for Aoife from the start and told the rest to stay at home. What did you reckon?

[mushroom25]

would it be cynical of me to point out that Connie has had some voice training, QED it will cost less to get her "show-fit"
???

[mimi-moomoo]

I totally agree however I think Simona should have won. I know it sounds weird but if The Sound Of Music se in Austria then why should her accent have mattered?

[goldenfield]

Simona's accent didn't matter per se but because this is an English show, the thousands who come to watch must be able to hear every word in clear English - and Simona could not manage that.

The other nine were always going to be 'losers' to Connie - I would not be surprised if it was fixed that way from the very outset.

[Cetti]

Connie was not only consistantly better but way ahead of the others right from the beginning. Of course her training helped but in the end it was her all round talent that shone through.
Aoife was the lovliest but when she was voteed out then it could only be Connie who took the coveted role. The others might have been more beautiful, but it had to be someone with staying power and stamina - and that was her. Mind you I think there was a bit of jiggery pokery going on behind the scenes, but then we know these type of programmes aren't what they seem. Cynical lot, ain't we?

[di1411]

I think the question of why Connie could be said to be "better" had a lot to do with what the producers of the forthcoming stage show were actually looking for.

Musical theatre is incredibly demanding and I think you really can't compare it to just the ability to sing beautifully, which the majority of the girls couild do, definitely. It's a specific skill (or range of skills). Can you imagine having the ability to hold an audience of over 2000 people in thrall all evening with no gimmicks, just your talent?

Both Helena and Connie in the final (and probably one or two on the way) had those abilities. What Connie has is that little extra spark of intelligence in performance and the ability to convey subtle emotions that set her apart from the others.

By the way, I've been teaching drama and producing musicals for more years than I would care to admit and believe me, Connie had that little bit extra. If that made her a front-runner, I don't think it would be a cynical decision.

[boobesque]

When the 10 girls were in the final it stated that all but one of the girls had had training, so i dont think it was a fix or unfair decision, the public voted and i thought from the start that Connie was excellent

[marwel7]

Connie is the only one who had the range of talent needed, from the start,to take on the part.The last 5 were all talented,and I am sure they will have careers,but they didn't have the consistency.The right choice was made.
I find it odd that there is little mention of it today in the press or on TV,especially when you consider the fuss made of the talentless Big Brother contestants.

[camphus]

Quite right marwell7. A lot of the press and "establishment" are very anti Lloyd Webber and will do anything to upset any project he is involved in. Sheer jealously I suspect.
Incidentally, on his own website, before the result was known, he had said he was so impressed with the final 10 that he was going to get them all into the West End. You cannot be fairer than that.
I do not believe there was any way the final result could be manipulated since it was a public text and phone vote, and Connie was a deserving winner.