Star Search, Episode 3: The First Tie

Arsenio Hall opens up the show Wednesday night, January 15, by poking fun at the people who write everything on the teleprompters, including the opening; "Hi I'm Arsenio Hall." He says that is why they have Star Search - because the current bunch of stars are so stupid they don't even remember their own names.

The judges this week include our usual gang of three, Naomi Judd, Ben Stein, and Carol Leifer. They are joined by guest judge Lance Bass from 'N Sync.

On to the competition:

In Junior Singer, 13-year-old Sebastian Mego ( pronounced May-go) from North Hollywood, California, comes out and sings "A Song for You" by Hathaway. The young guy has an unreal voice. He sounds so much like Stevie Wonder, I half wonder if he is lip synching. His stage presence is a little off, and his voice may need a little work, but overall I am very impressed. I would give him four and a half stars.

Judge Scores:
Naomi - 5 stars, says he is "all that" and says Winona was his age when she found her voice.
Ben - 3 stars, great voice but style was over the top.
Carol - 4 stars, asked Ben, what antacid are you chewing? He is phenomenal.
Lance - 4 stars, wants to see him in three or four years, says he did not give him five stars in case Whitney Houston comes out next.

Whitney Houston does not come out next, but Maridel Terciano does. The 10-year-old from California sings Lee Ann Rimes' "I Believe." Her introduction where she talks about loving to paint gardens and bunnies is a contradiction from this deep, incredible voice. She sounds like she has been singing for years.

Naomi - 5 stars, saying music and art are gifts, and she is sending a thank you card by giving her five stars. Arsenio says what all of America is thinking: "Who writes this stuff?"
Ben - 5 stars, and says the corn beef sandwich he had for lunch on Sunday is bigger than her.
Carol - 4 stars, teeny and talented.
Lance - 4, stars and says we will look back on her in 10 years and see her as the next Britney Spears. (except of course, Maridel can sing)

One thing amazing about these kids is their comfort in the spotlight. Neither are uncomfortable and the American Idol kids could take come pointers from them.

Sebastian is excellent and should be signed, but after the audience vote Maridel wins 36-30.

The model competition is next. Porschla Coleman is an exotic prom queen with a big butt and messy hair.
Ben - 4 stars, saying she can forget her modeling contract, she can contract with him.
Carol - 4 stars, saying the cows in her home town are lucky.
Lance - 5 stars, they are both from Mississippi.
Naomi - 3 stars, saying she is walking the walk, talking the talk.

The competition is Vanessa Shiffler. She looks like a tall thin Roseanna Arquette. She walks like a horse.

Ben - 4 stars, saying I'd like to be a horse you train next.
Naomi - 3, saying she was prancing like a Tennessee walker and that happiness is the best cosmetic, it does not wash off at the end of the day.
Lance - 4 stars, walk needs improvement.
Carol - 3 stars, needs to loosen up.

Vanessa looks like she is going to cry while waiting for the announced winner, and not in a good way. Porschla is the winner with 32 to 27 stars after the audience vote is counted in.