After an impressive first week, Lakeshore's Rising Stars presented by Bank First National returned to the Capitol Civic Centre for Country Night. The Top 10 donned flannels and cowboy boots to open the show with a foot stomping group number, "Wild At Heart" by Gloriana.
All the way from Nashville, Donovan Tea of The Lettermen entertained the audience with a song after being introduced as the guest judge for week two.
The remaining singers' scores were calculated by combining points given last week by main judges Steve Lauson Jr., Debbie Seehafer and Tim Strews, along with guest judge Kalista, as well as audience votes and community votes collected from the Manitowoc voting locations. Over 1,000 votes were cast this week.
Tittl revealed the singers with the lowest three scores were within three audience votes, or 150 points. The competition was extremely close, but Katie Sievert was the first to be eliminated.
Amanda Satchell then kicked off the competition belting out "Good Girl" by Carrie Underwood. Seehafer, a main judge, said, "I thought it was very powerful and energetic."
Jemma Herrmann, standing gracefully on the low lit stage in a red sparkly gown, performed Patsy Cline's "Crazy". Tea told Herrmann she has a "very distinctive voice".
Lauson said, "I enjoyed all of it. The pitch throughout the whole thing was excellent."
Tiffnee Julian sang Carrie Underwood's "Smoke Break" after which Strews said, "It's good to hear your voice strong again."
"You were totally committed to that song," Tea said, "you took command of the stage."
Jesse Torres, with Country Night being right in his wheelhouse, took the stage next and serenaded the audience with his version of Steve Holy's "Good Morning Beautiful".
Seehafer said, "You make it look really easy." Tea expanded on that comment saying, "Your voice is very, very easy on the ears."
After intermission Karly Tellekson sang "Tennessee Whisky" by Chris Stapleton. Seehafer exclaimed it was "outstanding." Strews played with words saying it was "as smooth as whisky."
Kevin Sievert sang a powerful rendition of "What Hurts The Most" by Rascal Flatts. Tea told Sievert, "I was very impressed with your breath control. Great voice. Great job."
Megan Burback sang "Burning House" by Cam, and Strews said, "You told a story well."
"You showed amazing control. Not just anyone can do that," Tea said, "and you did it flawlessly."
Ashley Lorge then gave an upbeat performance of Sugarland's "Something More" which Seehafer said was "very engaging."
Lauson stated he thought Lorge looked more comfortable this week. He said, "It feels like you're starting to develop more."
Closing the competition portion of the show, Hanna Mrozak emerged from the back of the theatre singing "Blown Away" by Carrie Underwood. Tea said, "You're obviously just a natural entertainer."
The highly anticipated guest judge save and immunity went to Satchell for the second week in a row. The other eight singers are in danger of being eliminated.
"We want to encourage you to vote," said co-host and co-producer Terry Stevenson, "because your votes matter." The singer with the fewest points next week will be eliminated as the competition goes from nine singers down to eight.
Wednesday, July 6 at 7:30pm Lakeshore's Risings Stars returns, and you won't want to miss what the singers have chosen for Patriotic Night. Also, hosts Riley Haupt and Terry Stevenson told the audience the guest judge next week is so big they can't even reveal the name ahead of time. To be a part of the action, stop down at the Capitol Civic Centre to purchase tickets or call the CCC Box Office at 920-683-2184.
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