'And then there were 5...'

It was the most crucial, final and closest elimination of Season Two, and tonight we said good bye to Victor Schueller from Kiel.



Tonight was an evening of many different emotions and surprises including the announcement of the "TBD" theme, set for August 15.

As stated earlier tonight, the three main judges will each pick one song per finalist for a total of three different songs. Then next week, we will reveal these options online and you the fans will vote for what song you would like to hear. Plus, each finalist themselves will pick one group number and again, you the fans will pick what group numbers you would like the 'Top 5' to perform. (More info to follow within the coming days exclusively on the 'Rising Stars!' blog.)

We also revealed the new 'Top 5' Point System which states that all the judges including the live audience will vote twice per night, due to the fact that there are two different themes and two different performances. The main judges will award 2,000 points for their first choice; 1,000 points for their second choice; and 500 points for their third choice. The sponsor judges will award 400 points for their first choice; 200 points for their second choice; and 100 points for their third choice. Judges points will be awarded at the end of the first half, as well as at the end of the second half. The live audience will remain at 20 points, however will be asked to vote twice, allowing each audience member to be worth 40 points. The sponsor voting location will remain at 5 points and fans are encouraged to vote once per day, per location and will still vote for only one performer. However, unlike previous weeks, voting will not end on Sunday's, yet will end on August 19.

As mentioned, tonight's elimination was the closet ever with Victor trailing only 200 points away. MEANING ... it is extremely important that you vote and fill out each form properly. There were over 300 invalid points this week and each point given (or not given) will affect these performers.

So, now that I've covered the new theme and the new point system, let's continue to talk about Round 6...

We welcomed back Andy Lorge as tonight's special guest judge and back by popular demand, Andy performed "Bed of Roses" and just like last year, he did a phenomonal job!

The first half consisted of the 'Top 5' performing their favorite ROCK hits. Green Bay's Carli Ihde started the competition with "Roxanne." Following Carli, Jeremiah Shoen rocked the stage with "Live and Let Die." Amanda Wachholz then came out wearing a wedding dress and sung, "Like a Virgin." After Amanda, Larnell Moore performed "I Don't Wanna Be" and Kari Sepnafski ended the first half with "Fire and Ice."

From there, the judges points were awarded:

-Jeremiah took a COMPLETE SWEEP, which by the way has NEVER HAPPENED in the history of 'Rising Stars!' and received first choice by all 8 judges, giving him 9,600 judges points!
-Carli received 4,600 judges points.
-Kari received 2,100 judges points.
-Larnell received 500 judges points.

The second half consisted of the 'Top 5' performing their favorite love songs. However, before the start of their'love songs', RJ Haupt (Riley's brother) took the stage and shocked everyone by propsing to his girlfriend! With a standing oviation, she proudly said "yes!"

What better way to get the "love" feeling in the air than seeing a man propose to the love of his life?!?

Carli kept the feeling alive by performing "I'll Stand By You." Following Carli, Jeremiah sang "Lady in Red" and during his performance, went into the audience where his wife was wearing a red dress and sang to her. They danced throughout the song and the crowd absoltuly loved their emotions. Amanda Wachholz took the stage after Jermiah and performed Mandy Moore's "I Wanna Be With You." After Amanda, Larnell sang "I'll Be" and Kari Sepnafski ended with "The Power of Love."

From there, the judges points were awarded for the second time:

-Larnell received 6,600 judges points.
-Jeremiah received 6,200 judges points.
-Kari received 3,800 judges points.
-Amanda received 200 judges points.

The total judges points of the evening:

-Jeremiah with 15,800
-Larnell with 7,100
-Kari with 5,900
-Carli with 4,600
-Amanda with 200

To end the evening, the 'Top 6' performed "Love Train" and actually went into the audience and started the 'love train.' It was truly amazing to see hundreds of fans throughout the Capitol on board with the 'love train.' Just another fun, crazy and new idea!!!

Next week, the 'Top 5' continue to their journey to the final by singing a song from today's era as well as their favorite inspirational song. AND joining us next week as the special guest judge, Amirah Konizter from Season One!

Tickets still available for next week's production of 'Rising Stars!' Only $15.00 at the CCC Box Office.

Plus - don't forget to tune into 'Rising Stars! REPLAY' with Riley and myself, tomorrow morning (Thursday) from 10:30 - 11:00, exclusively on WOMT - 1240 AM. Victor will be joining us, so feel free to call in with questions for him or us.

Thanks for your support! Good night lakeshore!
-tes