News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By Jill Berry 

Can twelve pseudo-professional artists do justice to the biggest rock band in history? Some of the judges thought not, and so did I. There were some definite surprise performances tonight and some expected mediocre ones. 

With his swagger and big attitude, Michael Lynch started off the night with a bang, performing 'Miss You'. Everybody agreed that it was a great way to start the show and a great performance. For me, it was a bit weird. He's so big and his movements so unnatural that he came off kind of 'corny'. Like a bad line when a guy in a bar is trying to pick you up. I still like him and this will carry him through to another week, but 'Idol' material, he is not. 

(Photo:  Click here to listen to Katie Stevens performance of 'Wild Horses'.)

I really enjoyed Didi Benami's version of 'Playing with Fire'. Her unique tone and range really shone and the intensity was another layer that I didn't expect of her. Kara said the 'dark' mood of the song contrasting with her sweet voice was very effective. 

Taking a risk with the judges, Casey James came out with an electric guitar, adding a blues/country element to 'It's All Over Now'. It was a memorable performance that will keep his female fans itching to see more and it may convince the male fans that he's a relevant artist, not just a sex symbol. 

A string quartet playing background to 'Ruby Tuesday'? Odd, but Lacey Brown made it work. The general consensus was that she's still playing it safe and needs to 'let loose' a bit more. I think if she doesn't make it on this show, she should pursue modeling and/or acting. I believe she's safe for another week. 

Andrew Garcia, without his favoured guitar, sang 'Give Me Shelter'. Now I'm not trying to be mean, but I'm starting to get the impression that he's only here because people are waiting for another 'Straight Up' performance. For me, he just isn't delivering. I was a fan: now I'm surprised every week that he's still with us. 

My least favorite of the girls, Katie Stevens, surprised me with her performance of 'Wild Horses'. It was actually quite good! I'm still not convinced that she's the next American Idol, but this week, she's definitely more 'valid'.

Doing a 'Reggae' version of 'Under My Thumb', Tim Urban may have voted himself off the show. It was OK, but a very risky choice at this point in the show. 

Is Siobhan Magnus our female Adam Lambert? Her version of 'Paint it Black' had one of our judges putting voice to that thought. A very strong, memorable performance for sure, but I'm not sure we're ready for a copycat this soon. 

Our shy, unassuming Lee Dewyze did a neat version of 'Beast of Burden'. Other than Didi's song, this was my choice for the night. All the judges enjoyed it, but think he's still holding back. If he's this good now, just think what he'll be like when he lets himself go. 

Due to a case of laryngitis and no rehearsal, Paige Miles wowed me and the judges with her version of 'Honky Tonk Woman'. Even not knowing about her sickness, I was still impressed. Again, though, I'm just not getting an 'Idol' vibe from her. There's a 'unique-ness' missing. I've seen this artist time and again, so I'm kind of hoping that she either steps it up, or moves on. 

Cute as a puppy, Aaron Kelly did a really good job with the song 'Angie'. It was a very suitable song choice, but a pretty 'run-of-the-mill' sound quality. A good job, none-the-less. 

The effortless Crystal Bowersox did 'You Can't Always Get What You Want'. You can always count on her to deliver, but at this point, I'm looking for something to surprise me. She's getting a bit predictable. She’s a favorite of mine, so I hope she sticks around for awhile longer. 

Who do you think is going to be eliminated tomorrow?

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