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Popstar To Operastar 2011 Odds: Claire Richards Set To Trump Joe McElderry

Popstar To Operastar aired for the third time last night, combining the two groups that have performed on the previous two weeks, without of course Midge Ure and Jocelyn Brown who both fell at the first hurdle, so viewers now have the luxury of seeing all the competitors in one show. Whilst bookmakers Paddy Power still have X Factor Joe McElderry in the lead at odds of 4/5 to win, it is no surprise that having sung alongside him on Sunday night that ex Steps frontwoman Claire Richards is right on his shoulder at 13/8.

The performers this week were certainly asked to up their game with complicated arias to negotiate with complex vocal gymnastics. Unsurprisingly Melody Thornton found the task just too challenging and was voted out by the discerning Popstar To Operastar viewers. She had struggled in the first show and found herself in the bottom two with Midge Ure and whilst this week her sing off with Joe Washbourn was a fair representation of their operatic ability, Melody's voice was simply too thin however emotionally involved she was in her aria.

The transition of some of the competitors from one discipline to another has been startling, none more so than Clare Richards, whose range, depth and breadth at such an early stage of the competition is remarkable. Whilst Joe McElderry at the outset had the advantage of a West End tone, thus not having to move quite so far from pop to opera, Claire's vocal range has never been unveiled. Clearly nervous, her shaking hands were visible to all, but if she is able to transcend her trepidation she will surge ahead of Joe in no time, although she will still have to contend with his X Faactor fans if she is to win.

Cheryl Baker was also accomplished in her performance and does not deserve her odds of 7/1 in the winning stakes, this is surely a reflection of Joe's fanbase than of her ineptitude and may shorten in the coming weeks. This has now become a three horse race and the other runners will have to practise very conscientiously if they are to have any chance of closing the gap. Roland Villazon continues to challenge Tonioli on Strictly for the most exhuberant judge/mentor, taking some wind out of Simon Callow's luvie sail, whilst Vanessa Mae and Katherine Jenkins provide considered critical appreciation of the effort involved. Joe may well be favourite but he is under serious pressure now from the women.

Popstar To Operastar Odds

Odds plus a host of Novelty Betting Opportunities courtesy of Paddy Power

Joe McElderry 4/5

Claire Richards 13/8

Cheryl Baker 7/1

Andy Bell 7/1

Joe Washbourn 25/1

Posted: Monday, 20th June 2011
Author: Suzi Flute
Tags: tv, the x factor, cheryl baker, katherine jenkins, paddypower,

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