Natalie Gauci opens the show with Madonna's 1998 hit "Ray Of Light", as chosen for her by Chris Younger from Queensland. "She's got a great voice and a great range of songs that she sings," Chris said of Nat. "I think it's going to really test her vocally."
The judges certainly seem to agree that her vocals were tested. Mark, while telling Natalie that she is a "ray of light", thought the key was too high. "I wish that was a step lower," he said.
"This is do or die," Dicko announced. "This should be your ARIA winning performance. This is Prime Time, you need to dress like it and perform like it."
Natalie told the judges how nervous she was and Marcia told her she has to "try to block everything out and just focus on the performance."
Kyle, meanwhile, was annoyed with Mark. "Mark, you so dulled down what you should have said then," he said, charging that Mark was trying to protect Natalie. Mark agreed he was too soft. "That was a disaster," Kyle continued. "It was probably the worst thing I've seen you do."

Carl Riseley's song – James Morrison's "You Give Me Something" – has been suggested by Casey Strickland from NSW. "I think it's a bit different from jazz," said Casey of her choice. "It will be interesting to hear him sing."
Dicko was first up with his comment and seemed pleased. "Whenever you choose a ballad I get nervous for you," he admitted. "But the last two songs you've done have been fantastic."
Said Marcia, "that happens to be my favourite song this year. I liked that you stepped it up. You're very good at making songs showbiz."
"If people want him, vote for Carl," said Kyle. "Because you know what you're going to get."
Added Mark, "your performance level is going up and up and up."

Matt Corby's Audience Choice song was "It's Too Late" by New Zealand brothers Evermore, picked for him by Linda Vesinger from Western Australia. "He's just got a brilliant voice," cooed Linda. "It's a fantastic song and I think he's going to do a smashing job of it."
After the performance Marcia, for one, agreed that he did. "That was incredibly good, incredibly exciting and incredibly well sung."
"If people don't already see that you're the best person on this show then I don't know what we're doing," Kyle proclaimed.
Mark led the audience in a rendition of "Happy Birthday" to mark Matt's 17th this past week. He put the icing on the cake when he told him that he has "all the earmarks of a recording artist who will be a star for years and years to come."
"Buy that woman a drink!" Dicko said of song-picker Linda.
"It'll have to be an orange juice," Matt pipped.

Natalie came back from a second round with her own choice, Pink's "Nobody Knows". This time, things went far better.
"Much, much better," Kyle said. "That's the kind of song I like to hear you sing."
"I thought it was a cracking performance," agreed Mark. "That was you giving it your all. Thank you."
Dicko was just as pleased. "I was disappointed with the first performance," he admitted. "You just pulled a rabbit out of your jacksy."
"From a woman's point of view," added Marcia, "I know that you felt every word that you just sang."

Carl's personally-picked track was Stevie Wonder's "For Once In My Life".
"I don't think there's anyone who's worked harder or improved more than you," said Mark.
Dicko was more downbeat. "I'll be honest," he said, "I expected more from all the contestants tonight."
Carl admitted to being worried by the judges and Mark told him the only judge that mattered was the ARIA chart on a Monday morning in two years time.
"The ARIA charts in two years time, God willing, are going to love you just like I do," shot back Marcia.
Kyle helpfully told Carl that the only thing that he thinks could improve his act is some Justin Timberlake-style dance moves. Carl said that he had one … and proceeded to show it off. We think he'll need a few more.

Matt's song is The Beatles classic "Across The Universe".
"Without a shadow of a doubt you are one of most consistent performers," Dicko told him, but warned Matt that if he should win he should "try to get the confidence to take some risks" and "make sure you can walk before you can run".
Marcia disagreed that Matt's not a risk taker. "A large part of what makes you as incredible as you are is that you're bullet-proof," she said.
Kyle points out that Matt is "a straighty 180". "You're a nice kid," Kyle explained, deciding parents would be happy for Matt to date their daughters. "You are, as far as I'm concerned, the best we've got."
"There's a mantra in that song," points out Mark. "My mantra is ‘follow your dreams'. Just keep repeating it through the peaks and valleys."

With all three very nervous contestants performing valiantly, speculation is rife as to who will miss out on making the Final 2.
Mark said he couldn't pick it, while Marcia congratulated them all for making the Final 3.
"You're all champions to me," said Dicko.
Kyle was a lot more upfront. "I believe Natalie and Matthew should go through to the next round," he said.
Of course the real power is in your hands. Vote for your favourite now to make sure they make the grand final!