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

By Samantha Leigh Kelley

The third round of season nine auditions were held in ‘Chi-town’, Chicago. My expectation bar was set high. After all the ‘windy city’ is famous for being littered with influential musicians; artist such as, Nat “King” Cole, Billy Corgan, Michael Jackson, Eddie Vedder and Chuck Barry. Chicago’s also known for being the most American of big cities, so it would seem that American Idol and Chicago would be a perfect marriage. Yet it was nothing but dysfunctional.

Shania Twain was the unfortunate guest judge this time around. She did a great job, but it really was a shame that she had to sit through two days of horrendous attempts at singing. Must have left with a headache, poor woman!

Yes, this time around the judges were truly dumpster diving for talent. Nevertheless, they did find a few treasures worth keeping, at least for a little while.

Nineteen year old Katelyn Epperly was the first to grab a golden ticket to Hollywood. She sang Duffy’s “Syrup & Honey”. The judges were pleased to hear Katelyn had her own flavor and escaped being branded as a ‘copy cat’. She auditioned to make her momma happy, and now she’s thrilled too.

Amy Lang was the next up on the chopping block. Man, this girl has energy! She might have had a decent audition if only she took it seriously. But I believe her alterative motive was simply to get on TV (like most of Chicago). What other reason would you “boob box” during an A.I. audition? At least she succeeded to some degree.

Angela Martin tried her hand at American Idol for the third time. She has a heart breaking story, and plain bad luck. First of all Angela’s daughter has Rett Syndrome, luckily after the first time she auditioned the Shriners’ Hospital offered to help Angela out until her daughter turned 21. But in-between the time she first auditioned and went to Hollywood, her father was killed. The second time around she made it all the way to the Top 50, but had to leave due to a court date for traffic violations. Sadly after her third attempt at auditioning it has been reported that Angela’s mom, Viola Brown Martin has been missing since Christmas. Viola’s car was found the morning of New Year’s Eve.

With everything in mind, Angela sang the perfect song, “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige (if only she were the guest judge in Chicago). Angela walked away with a “full house” of yeses from the panel. Simon did try to pull her leg a bit by saying “no”, but she called his bluff. Simon put it simply, “She’s really talented and need’s a break.” Very true, I hope life starts dealing her better hands.

Day two started off, and hopes were high. It couldn’t be as bad as the day before, could it?

Curley Newbern was first up. He’s singing Maxwell’s “A Woman’s Worth”. I’m so excited, I love this song. As he opened his mouth and exhaled a very weak, high pitch screech, Randy Jackson turned to stare at Chicago’s “Beautiful skyline”. Curley got four no’s. And I’m happy I don’t have to listen to him anymore.

By twelve o’clock there wasn’t a single golden ticket handed out, and the mood was somber.

Harold Davis sang a compilation of Usher songs. He heard four no’s and left with his head hung low and sobbing.

John Park was the breath of fresh air everyone desperately needed. He sang “If I Ever Leave You Baby” by Donny Hathaway. His voice was like a security blanket, so warm and soothing. Though Shania Twain dug herself a hole trying to compliment John. She said “You have a beautiful bottom end, nice lips, good head.” She begged to be stopped, and finally was as John left the room. Unlike all of the other hopefuls before him that day, John didn’t leave empty handed. We’ll see him in Hollywood!

After two day’s and an overwhelming 12,000 people auditioning (an Idol record), Idol packs up and leaves the 11,987 people they gave the boot. That’s right, only 13 people were fortunate enough to get the gold. At least we know they are unquestionably the ‘cream of the crop’!

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