Clone rangers
Starstruck returns for a new series this week, with a fresh batch of talented vocal impersonators ready to shed their everyday lives and transform into international music icons. Olly Murs is back on hosting duties, alongside returnees Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford on the panel, joined by new judge, Queen of Country Pop Shania Twain – and she knows what will impress her (much)…
“The thing that impresses me the most about the contestants is when they can maintain their composure,” shares the Man! I Feel Like A Woman! songstress. “It’s petrifying, so when they really keep it together vocally and aren’t distracted by being overwhelmed, that’s impressive. If you can get up there and own it, then you’ve already won the audience over.”
Among the acts that ordinary folk are musically masquerading as in this second series are Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Usher and Dolly Parton. And Shania has been wowed by the level of talent she’s witnessed so far…
“There have been a lot of really great vocalists and some great impersonations,” she enthuses. “Their mannerisms and the way they deliver the character of the artist is all part of the performance.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised over and over again.”
As before, it’s the panel that decides which team of three lookalikes should go through to compete for a place in the final – and that hasn’t come without its disagreements… “We have different criteria on what we think are the most impressive elements,” admits Shania. “I’m not necessarily judging on
sheer vocal prowess – I’m more objective in that sense.”
There was a double-take last series as the show’s popstar host was faced with a trio of Olly doppelgangers – and this series boasts a Team Shania…
“That was so exciting!” she cheers. “I was really flattered to have three women who have day jobs and are obviously fans put their heart and souls into doing the best Shania they could. I was really touched!”