Surprises abound in Round Two of Basra Idol

Photo By Sgt. J.P. Lawrence | Pfc. William Gordon unveils his Superman emblem during a performance of "Kryptonite," by 3 Doors Down. Gordon, a Rosemount, Minn., native, was a contestant in Basra Idol, a music contest held in Basra May 16.  

BASRA, IRAQ

05.27.2009

Story by Pfc. J.P. Lawrence 

Multi-National Division-South

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq — Round Two of Basra Idol, a music competition held in Basra May 23, was filled with surprises, including the return of the previously eliminated Cleon Shack.

The contestants were judged on overall performance, audience participation, stage presence, personality and originality.

Spc. Russell Devon Dudley:
"Make some noise, huh?" said Spc. Russell Devon Dudley as he walked up to the mic. "I dedicate this to everyone in the crowd. We're all ordinary people."
Song: "Ordinary People," by John Legend
Style: R'n'B
Reaction:
"Great change of pace," said Martell.
"You truly captured the essence of John Legend," said Green.

Sgt. Joe Roos:
"Last week I tried to show you I could rap," said Sgt. Joe Roos, "Now this week I'll try to train you to rap."
Song: "This is How You Rap," by Joe Roos
Style: Rap
Reaction:
"What did you think?" asked Cookman.
"This is how you rap!" said someone in the audience.
"You own the crowd," said Martell.

Sgt. LeFena Washington:
Song: "Mercy," by Duffy.
Style: Jazzy blues
Reaction:
"You're coming out of your shell," said Green.
"When you started getting into it, I said this is the perfect song for you. The only way it would have been more perfect would be if you had a satin dress and we all had were drinking martinis."

Master Sgt. Scott Weathers:
Master Sgt. Scott Weathers took the mic, walked right into the crowd and sang to ladies in the crowd.
Song: "You've Lost That Loving Feeling," by the Righteous Brothers
Style: Soul
Reaction:
As women started fanning themselves, Martell took his chair into the audience and waited for his turn.
"You connect to the audience quite well," said Green. "And you took it a step further and went into the audience."
"You do very, very well playing to the crowd," said Martell, who added that he wished Weathers had showcased his vocals more.


Pfc. William Gordon:
The music started, but Pfc. William Gordon was nowhere to be found. "He's a late bloomer," said Cookman. Gordon emerged from stage left, took the mic and entered right on cue. In the middle of the song, he took off his Army Combat Uniform blouse and revealed a Superman emblem taped to his undershirt.
Song: "Kryptonite," by 3 Doors Down.
Reaction:
"That's a great t-shirt by the way," said Martell, giggling. "I don't know if that was the right song for you."
"It sounded like you were fighting the song," said Green.
"I preferred you singing a love song," said Asbuzy.

Spc. Cleon Shack:
Last up was Spc. Cleon Shack, who was eliminated last week but was given a second chance because another contestant had to go on leave. Shack, who was a walk-on last week, came better prepared this week.
Song: "I Believe I Can Fly," by R. Kelly
Style: Soul
Reaction:
"You have the voice, now you have to get the crowd participation," said Martell.
"You need to come out hot from the beginning. Always come big. Job well done," said Green.

While the judges said they were amazed at the level of talent displayed, unfortunately, not all contestants could advance to the next round. The singers advancing to next week are: Washington, Roos and, making the most out of his second chance, Shack.

All contestants were invited to sing at the final round, which starts May 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the stage next to Dining Facility 1.

• Date Taken: 05.27.2009
• Date Posted: 05.27.2009 07:21
• Story ID: 34147
• Location: BASRA, IQ