The Ledge - Carbondale (IL) Idol...Stevie's "Landslide" sung...

Trip to 'other' Idol on the line in 'Carbondale Idol'

BY NICOLE SACK, THE SOUTHERN

Alex Rushing delivered a enthusiastic rendition of "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?" but the judges did not choose to advance him into the Semi-final round. (PAMELA KAY SCHMALENBERGER / THE SOUTHERN)
CARBONDALE - Whomever told Erin Patton to break a leg should have told her that it was just a figure of speech.

Patton had just completed her performance of "Redneck Woman," the crowd was riled up and she was exiting the stage amidst a strong applause. She was confident. She looked happy.

And then she fell off the stage.

A simultaneous "ooh" was muttered by the crowd. Patton's boyfriend rushed up to help her up. Within seconds she was standing, and miraculously holding a bottle of beer.

More applause.

It might not have been as seamless as its television cousin, "American Idol," but Wednesday night's premiere of "Carbondale Idol" was just as guilty of entertainment pleasure. It was first of three competitions among local talent.

The grand prize? An all-expense paid trip to see a taping of that "other" Idol show. The real one.

In addition, the winner will receive a stereo, 10 hours of studio recording time and a feature article in one of Carbondale's local entertainment guides.

James "Simon" Karayiannis, the manager of Pinch Penny Pub, said the prize has actually detracted some people from entering the competition.

"Because the stakes are so high, I think people are afraid to do it," Karayiannis said. "But I don't want people making a joke out of it either, there is a lot of potential around here. I don't want people who worked and donated their time and expertise to throw it away because somebody wanted to make his friends laugh at the bar."

But 10 brave souls put it all out on the stage: Some were good, some were great, and some made those in attendance appreciate the $1 beers. When the contestants were on stage, they weren't alone. A three-member Karaoke band called "The Cheezy Trio," played back up.

Since the contestants never had a chance to rehearse with the band, their performances were given a bit of leeway. The five judges also graded on voice, stage presence, audience interaction, style and delivery.

Shannon Martin started things off with his rendition of "Gimme one Reason." With a white towel in one hand, Martin started a soul groove on stage, while two pink-shirted co-eds started to swerve together on dance floor. He set a bar for the rest of the performers to reach.

Alex Rushing of Murphysboro gave an "energetic" performance.

"I sang my whole life," the 24-year-old Rushing said. "I just want the trip to Hollywood."

Rushing was cut.

But his friend D.C. Comrey was able to advance after he twanged out a painless version of "Hurts so good."

Kalee Dionne was by far the shortest contestant, but received on of the biggest reception. Dionne then started to belt out "I will survive."

Joey Johnson was the second guy to sing a "girl's" song. Johnson took on Stevie Nicks - and lost. Leave "Landslide" to the professionals, the crowd muttered. The judges, whether it was their eye for talent or generosity, gave Johnson the benefit of the doubt and another chance. He was voted on to the next round.
:rolleyes:
Brittany Sheffer of Herrin earned great reviews with "Black Velvet." The band might have fallen in love with her, the audience certainly enjoyed her and apparently so did the judges.

"That was great," Karayiannis announced to her. "You sold it, and people bought it."

Her secret? The fake microphone, otherwise known as a hairbrush, a remote control or anything that can be held in one's hand to give the illusion of an amplifying device. The practice paid off as she was the only contestant to be unanimously voted to the finals.

Melissa Croy and Becci Berghund also moved on. Tiffany Sronce was not as lucky. The song "Crazy" killed her chances.

And what happened to Patton? Well, she didn't fracture any bones during her accidental stage dive. Patton, the anti-Idol from Peoria, admitted she was never really a fan of the television show. But she might become one. Patton was voted on to the final round of the Carbondale Idol competition on Sept. 28.

The next qualifying round will be held at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, with 17 new contestants.

As they say in show business, break a leg...