Lakeshore’s Rising Stars presented by Bank First National was all about the “oldie but goodies” this week as singers performed their favorite songs from eras past. The Top 8 sang “Come Together” by The Beatles to get the show rolling.
Guest judge Bobby Poynton of The Lettermen performed “Unchained Melody”. It’s a song, he told the audience, that has been a #1 Hit in three decades! He hit all the high notes perfectly and had the audience on their feet.
“The Eliminator” Representative Paul Tittl then announced Karly Tellekson as this week’s eliminated singer. Tellekson sang one last song, Queen’s “We Are The Champions”, before saying goodbye.
Ashley Lorge, last week’s saved singer, performed first with “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. Judges had mixed reviews. Judge Tim Strews said, “I thought it was safe. Nothing wowed me.”
“I didn’t think that this song showcased the unique things in your voice,” said Judge Debbie Seehafer.
Next up was Jesse Torres who sang the upbeat song “Come A Little Bit Closer” originally recorded by Jay & The Americans in 1964.
Judge Steve Lauson Jr. said, “I loved it, man.”
“Great range,” said Poynton, “I didn’t hear a bad note in the bunch.”
Amanda Satchell sang a moving version of “River” by Joni Mitchell. Lauson said, “There were so many moments in that song that I adored.”
After the intermission and an amazing drum solo and performance by the talented Lakeshore’s Rising Stars Band, Hannah Mrozak took the stage with “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner. Seehafer said, “You have the whole package.” She also pointed out how difficult it is to sing and dance but said Hannah “did it beautifully.”
Kevin Sievert performed next and sang “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac after which Lauson said, “When you get in the upper register, man, you are just great!”
Megan Burback sang “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone. Lauson asked Burback, “How does it feel to have a breakthrough performance? Because that’s what you did tonight.”
Strews agreed with Lauson and said, “Tonight you were engaged with the audience.”
The final performer of the evening was Jemma Herrmann singing “Respect” by Aretha Franklin.
Seehafer said, “You displayed the strong, confident woman that Aretha Franklin’s version is.”
Poynton thought she could have showed more attitude. He joined Herrmann on the stage and had her sing the song from the top. He stood theatrically with arms crossed, playing the part of the “bad man”, and had her sing to him to prove with her performance that she deserved respect. She rose to the challenge and ultimately became Poynton’s guest judge save which gives her immunity from elimination next week.
Poynton said he was choosing not to give immunity to the singer he thought won the night, but rather he was giving it to someone he thought might not get as many votes but who he wanted to return for another week.
“I think Amanda won the night. I think she killed it tonight,” Poynton said, “The person that I want to save is Jemma. I think Jemma has incredible chops.”
Poynton complimented all of the contestants and told them to keep doing music even after this competition. “Keep singing,” he said, “find a place to sing.”
Tittl along with producers Terry Stevenson, Riley Haupt and Brennan Seehafer then told the audience about a twist in the voting system. All votes cast by audience members from the Capitol Civic Centre are now worth 100 points instead of of the 50 points they were previously. Also, each judge was given the opportunity to award an additional 1,000 bonus points to one singer of choice. All judges awarded their 1,000 points to Amanda Satchell. The show then closed with a fun group performance of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode”.
Next week each singer will perform an inspirational song. Plus, the guest judge will be Amy Jo Doty from the band Road Trip. You can stop down at the Capitol Civic Centre to purchase tickets or call the CCC Box Office at 920-683-2184.
For further information visit http://lakeshoresrisingstars.com.
