Less than 20 minutes later Massey was telling the singers to cut their second songs in half, advising the judges no comments will be taken and advising the crowd of an impending storm heading toward downtown Greer.
Lightning flashes outlined downtown and by the time Ryan Wilson stopped singing in mid-verse, “Save The Last Dance For Me”, the spectators, almost in unison picked up their chairs and left.
The first go-around for the Idol singers was performances to songs from the 90’s-forward. Wilson got a standing ovation with his performance of “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban.
Brittany Pridemore and Wally Dreesen also impressed the judges.
The decision on the two finalists will come mostly via online voting. There was lighter voting downtown with the ballot box taken up right after the competition was halted. Online voting ends noon Monday.
Tonight’s contestants and their songs performed:
Brittany Pridemore
90’s - forward
“Something to Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt
Comments: “Watch the slower notes” and “You have the voice and you don’t need to push” said two judges. Another complimented Pridemore for nailing the song by Bonnie Raitt.
Beach
“When We Woke Up This Morning You Were On My Mind” by We Five
Comments: None, program speeded up for approaching storm.
Wally Dreesen
90’s – forward
‘Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw
Comments: “I like your song and stage presence and how you sang to us. Really like the song, tough song and really hard … did a great job with a wide range.
Beach
“My Girl” by The Temptations.
Comments: None, program speeded up for approaching storm.
Ryan Wilson
90’s forward
“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
Beach
“Save The Last Dance For Me” by The Drifters
Comments: Did a great job with song and it’s a very moving song. You have a beautiful voice and would like to show a little more movement. You have a beautiful tenor voice and I would like to see you go up one more notch.”
Judges
Camilla Pitman, Supervisor with the Miss South Carolina Organization
Katherine Rhyne, Furman University Music professor
Brandon Higganbotham, Creative Arts Pastor with SpringWell Church
Bob Ross, Beach Bob Oldies, 103.3 FM
