Air Force spouse takes $700 Kirtland Idol prize

  • Published
  • By Sheila Rupp
  • Nucleus Journalist
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  Team Kirtland rivaled "the other Idol" April 27 at the 2007 Kirtland Idol finals held at the Mountain View Club.

The house was packed with more than 200 attendees cheering on their favorite Idol-hopeful. Nine contestants selected by audience votes from three preliminary rounds gathered to give it their all and vie for the Kirtland Idol 2007 title - and $700 cash.

Col. John Hill, 377th Air Base Wing inspector general; Chief Master Sgt. Vic Rountree, acting 377th ABW command chief; and Hilary Real of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce served as judges for the evening's festivities.

Robert Gates started the evening off with Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle," which was the song that earned him a spot in the finals. He seemed much more relaxed this time around, though the tempo of the song was a little too slow to get the crowd revved up. Again, Gates' voice was strong and held the folk tune well. Chief Rountree said the performance had a lot of passion, while Colonel Hill said it reminded him of a cheap karaoke bar.

Chandre Osborne changed things up a bit for the finals, performing Jewel's "Foolish Games," a departure from her performance of the southern rock ballad "Black Velvet." The song may not have been completely suited to Ms. Osborne's voice as it didn't allow
her to show her complete range as did her previous performance. Chief Rountree did notice that Ms. Osborne had gum in her mouth, which may have caused her to hold back. Ms. Real said that she believed that Ms. Osborne's voice was too much for the song, while Colonel Hill compared her to a combination of Haley Scarnato and Sanjaya Malakar from this season's "American Idol," both of whom have already been voted off the show.

The second preliminary's tough girl sweetheart, Airman Brittnie Brazile of the Air Force Research Laboratory's orderly room, serenaded the judges with "Hit Me with Your Best Shot," the Pat Benatar classic. Airman Brazile really entertained the crowd and looked like she was having a great time. Chief Rountree said he "didn't see the grace" and Colonel Hill said that he could see her performing with Meatloaf, whom he called the greatest performer of all time.

Senior Airmen Janelle Jansen of the 377th Security Forces Squadron, devoid of crutches this time around, seemed a little more nervous while performing "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston. Though her voice wasn't as strong as it was in the first round, it did improve as the song progressed. Ms. Real said Airman Jansen's attempt was great and Chief Rountree said he applauded her for working the song though he thought at times the song was too much for her. 

Airman 1st Class Brandi Lewis of the 377th Mission Support Squadron sang a wonderful rendition of Beyoncé's "Listen." She filled the room with her powerful, soulful voice but could have made better use of the stage. Ms. Real compared Airman Lewis to Jennifer Hudson, who came in sixth place on "American Idol" in 2002, but landed a gig in "Dreamgirls" with Eddie Murphy and earned an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her performance. Colonel Hill said Airman Lewis should go practice the song, find out where "American Idol" is casting and go there to try out.

Stefani Chan of Sandia National Laboratories sang "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia. She sang with a lot of emotion and performed better than she had in the previous week's preliminary round. Colonel Hill and Ms. Real both said they enjoyed her clothing choice, but Chief Rountree said she didn't have the passion that some of the other contestants had so he would give her a "no," acting as Randy Jackson from "American Idol."

Performing seventh, Heidi Webb, 377th Services Squadron, sang Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats." Ms. Real said that Ms. Webb's song choice fit her personality and Colonel Hill said that she sang with a lot of passion.

Lauren Wolcott took a great departure from her rock performances of Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge songs to sing "I've Never Been to Me" by Charlene. The song choice was a little unexpected, but she still performed with the same passion and emotion that her other selections had.

Finishing up the night was John Woodworth, who again performed the patriotic hit "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood. He personalized the song specific to Team Kirtland, adding in Albuquerque and Kirtland AFB to the lyrics. He brought the crowd to their feet even though Colonel Hill said he was not the best performer of the evening.

Despite Colonel Hill's opinion of the performance, the audience voted and named Mr. Woodworth Kirtland Idol 2007, rewarding his talent with $700 and the opportunity to perform at the Summer Bash put on by services.

"Personally, I thought Brandi should have won; she has a lot of talent. My voice was really tired and I dropped the song four keys - I've never sung it that low, but I love to sing and that's what I came for. I'm really excited," Mr. Woodworth said.

Rounding out the top third were Airman Lewis in second place, taking home $400 and Ms. Chan in third, getting $300. Mr. Woodworth took the evening to a close with a final performance of "God Bless the U.S.A."

"... There was some real talent on stage and each Idol contestant can be proud of their performance even though I gave a thumbs down on some of them. Although I ran the risk of sleeping on the couch if my wife thought I made the wrong call on some of the contestants, I still tried to do my best and judge fairly. 'American Idol' has nothing up on Kirtland Idol!" Chief Rountree said.

The top three performers will have the opportunity to open the Summer Bash on July 20 at Hardin Field.