Clash of the Choir, Review Part 4

By Peggy Oliver

A slightly unexpected ending awaits viewers on this final two-hour installment where five amateur choirs have rehearsed intensely for a few short weeks to present a professional look for national television. 

All five choirs lend their voices for a beautifully constructed Christmas standards medley to open the proceedings.  For the most part, the remaining three groups brought their best stuff, knowing they desire to win $250,000 for their selected charity.   During the show, it was announced that the other participants’ charities would not go home empty, receiving $50,000.

Team Blake Sheldon performed Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration”, adding some spunk compared to the original and very good solo spots.

Interpreting another R&B hit, Team Patti LaBelle brought “No More Drama” with their usual sassy and Gospel-like flavor.  The lead vocalist demonstrated conviction even if it was a bit less edgy than the Mary J. Blige version.

Starting acappella to set the mood, “What A Wonderful World”, the Louis Armstrong ballad, was a gorgeous site for ears, thanks to Team Nick Lachey’s harmonies sharp connections and various soloists placed throughout. 

The other two units would get some camera time.  Team Kelly Rowland scored on both their efforts.  “Survivor” (the Destiny Child’s Gospel-infused hit), featured Kelly and the team’s powerful but on-point performance.  Then a touching message accented the Boyz II Men/Mariah Carey duet, “One Sweet Day”, as the choir utilized sign language on the final chorus honoring a choir member’s father whom they flew into New York (the city where all four shows aired).

Even though the votes were long in, there was still one matter of business for each finalist.  The best came from Team Lachey stirring the funk on “Sing A Song” by Earth, Wind & Fire.  Then going against the grain, Team LaBelle’s rendition of the rock anthem, Queen’s “We Are The Champions” prove rock solid voices can handle any genre.  The slight mishap was the lead vocalist dropping a bit too much vibrato.