I wished they'd gone for Mack the Knife too. However, I do think UM is a classic and one that I don't associate with a single artist and I've never been particularly attached to any version. (Except Rob and Ger - it was poor).
I thought the audience was surprisingly muted compared to what had been inferred by the papers, but they were perhaps captivated by the hint of naked chest! UM isn't really a good song to scream along to, and Gareth had his record breaking screams during Mack the Knife during the tour. More evidence they should have gone with that?
It was great to see him singing it live like a proper little singer, and even though I spotted the odd wobbly bit, I thought he did far better than Blue, who were still pretty good. I am obviously overanalysing these things, but I noticed the wobbles were on what should be the easy notes, whereas he completely nailed all the tricky bits and big notes. I suppose he was concentrating more on them.
To be honest splodge, I think the record company had anticipated the Stars in their Eyes analogies, but also anticipated we'd rush to the shops anyway. Will can get away with a cover for his next release, because most people haven't heard Westlife sing Evergreen, and Anything is Possible is original. I hope they come up with something original (and interesting) for Gareth's follow up. It probably wouldn't be Mack the Knife anyway, because that'll be on the Big Band album.
Obviously Mack the Knife would be a cover, but I know only associate it with Gareth, so he'd have made more of a mark with it. It's also his (and mine) favourite song from the finals, so hopefully he'll get to sing it (live) when they promote of the Big Band album.