Allison Moorer's "Carrickfergus" was right up there with Emily Smith's "Silver Tassie" as among the highlights of the series.

At first I also thought Allison amended and overdecorated the melody a little too much. But by the end of the last verse I was won over by the sheer emotional power of her delivery. I've watched it several times since on YouTube and it gets me every time. The arrangement and sensitivity of the accompaniment by the house band is immaculate. Plus it has to be said Ms Moorer in addition to a powerful set of pipes has a wonderful control of dynamics.

If you watch it, I'd say do so all the way through before you make judgement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNEgKGEDfOk