As Sunshine Coast Idol organizer Peter Beauchamp said last week to Idol host Chelsea Crawford as he handed her the microphone, "It's all yours, Chelsea. Here we go again."
Idol 2 officially got underway Oct. 13 at a new, spacious venue, the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club in Roberts Creek, with a new, tasty menu of modestly priced dinners.
But some things from last year's successful season were similar: for instance, the 10 sweaty-palmed contestants of all ages waiting their turn in the spotlight and the three judges, co-organizer Verna Chan, vocalists Wendy Campbell (Rubin) and Trudi Diening. Guest judge Ross Hastings took on the role of the hyper-critical British judge from the original Idol series ("That was a bit pitchy").
The back-up band, the Idol Guys, were on stage well, at least some of them: Peter Van Deusen on keyboard and Boyd Norman on bass. Paul Hood filled in on drums and guest Dan Richter performed on guitar.
Laura Marshall was first up, and the judges admired her "funky, jazzy voice" on a Broadway show tune Too Darn Hot. Shantaya Purjue, a dancer, also sings sweetly and showed her comfortable stage presence. She was followed by an excellent turn from her husband Levi Purjue with his guitar.
Gertrude Pacific sang Are You Lonesome Tonight?
"You practically channelled Marlene Dietrich there," Chan said. Sydney Johnson, a finalist in last summer's Youth Idol, gave one judge the first round of goosebumps of the season. Judges' comments were: "fantastic voice" and "amazing licks." But did the audience like her, too? Voting is 60 per cent audience's choice, 40 percent judges' choice over the ten-week season. At the end of each evening, someone must leave the competition.
Amber Tikkanen was encouraged by the judges to engage with her audiences more, but overall, did a good job. Sarah Powell proved she had a great original voice, while Ed Smith showed he could channel Bobby Darin. His performance was pure showmanship and the audience loved it. "You're not the token old guy," Hastings said.
Elisa Jardine delivered a theatrical rendition of House of the Rising Sun and was lauded for her sultry voice. "Relax," the judges encouraged her. Jocelyn Eyre was the last to sing and she opened with a joke that set everyone at ease then launched into an innocent version of Crazy, the Patsy Cline classic.
While audience and judges voted, Beauchamp thanked the sponsors and the country club hosts. Tension mounted while Hastings and Crawford gave a musical sample of their latest collaboration, Carnival Era. When the votes were announced, it was Gertrude Pacific who would not be joining the contestants the following week. Then, on Oct. 20, Shantaya Purjue was voted out of the competition. Eight remaining contenders will sing on Oct. 27.
Idol 2 takes place every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at the S.C. Golf and Country Club in Roberts Creek. The restaurant is open early for dinners, and $12 show tickets are on sale at Beauchamps in Molly's Lane or at the door. It's pure entertainment.
