TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Worshipping Their Idol

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOYCE McKENZIE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 3, 2008

UNIVERSITY AREA - Dwight Hamilton, front desk manager at John Knox Village, is hooked on "American Idol."

"It's just so easy to get caught up in the hype," said Hamilton, whose facial features and demeanor resemble those of Randy Jackson, a judge on the TV show that has captured the attention of millions since it debuted seven years ago.

It came as no surprise when Hamilton, alias "Randy," called out comments such as "Hey, dog" and "What's up, man?" to fellow staff members vying for the title of JKV Idol, the continuing care retirement community's second annual takeoff on the popular singing competition.

"When they asked me to participate, I thought it would be fun to do, especially since I'm a huge fan of the show," Hamilton said.

Gail Williams, supervisor of JKV's restorative nursing program, said she and her staff host a once-a-month event to entertain residents. But this one attracts other employees who, in solo and group performances, vie for the approval of the judges and accolades from the audience.

Amanda Narien and George Mikhail, Sanford Brown Institute interns studying for degrees in health care, played "American Idol" judges Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell; David Boyer, the facility's administrator, took on the role of its host, Ryan Seacrest.

"We've been to 385 cities on our tour, and Simon, I hope today you've had a change in personality," "Ryan" said. "And, Paula, it's five o'clock somewhere, so do you need a drink or do we already need to hold you up?"

Pat Tripp started off the competition with "Walkin' After Midnight," a song she dedicated to "Simon." While Dianne Thomas sang a Spanish tune and performed a little salsa, resident Alejia Munoz and activities manager Tenna Prebles did a little sideline dancing of their own.

Physical therapist Hal Connell directed his rendition of "Lady" toward "Paula," who, with her hands held high above her head, rocked from side to side in her chair.

"Hal, Hal, Hal, what can I say," she said at the end of his performance. "I really feel like a lady now."

"Randy" said he thought Connell sounded great, but "Simon," in his usual derogatory style, simply uttered, "Not."

While last year's JKV Idol, licensed practical nurse Keila Clark, belted out a high-soprano version of "Sunshine in the Rain," many audience members who were able to gave her a standing ovation.

But Randy wasn't quite as impressed.

"I really love the energy, but it was a little pitchy," he said.

In the end, it was crooner Jim "Jimbo" Cain of Apollo Beach, an on-staff painter, who brought the house down with his adaptation of Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You."

The song and his easy, smooth style of singing evoked "oohs and ahhs" from his fans and enticed some to even toss articles of lingerie at his feet.

Randy responded with "The King is alive," and Paula said she thought Cain's "industrial look" was great and his voice was "amazing."

Even Simon was impressed with Cain's performance, one that earned him the honor of being named the 2008 JKV Idol.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT