Thursday's Erie Idol finals proved two things: We are rich in talent in this city and, second, we don't always showcase it in the best possible light.

Hats off to Kayti Ostromecki, who won the competition, just edging out David Shaffer. All 5 finalists deserved to be there. It's a shame, though, what happened to Cathi "GG" Mitchell. She sang her heart out early -- even though she was sick. Afterward, she learned she had a fever of 103 and had to depart for the emergency room.
Fox 66 then announced Mitchell had made the final five. But because she was ill and departed, her spot was replaced.

The only problem with the whole evening was the timing. With Jr.'s having a comedy show, everything started late. The finals didn't wrap up until nearly 1 a.m. That's awfully late for a weekday event, plus it meant no footage of the winner could appear on the 11 p.m. newscasts. Erie Times-News just barely sneaked a photo into some editions of Friday's paper.
Next year, Fox 66 should make sure it finds an appropriate venue that can start the finals at 8 p.m.

Kelly Clarkson has announced she'll tour this summer; the only area date is Aug. 14 in Cleveland. The actual venue was not disclosed.

Gord Sinclair of Tragically Hip phoned Showcase on Friday. He said the Hip, for fun, are learning a new cover song for every night of the tour. So far, they've covered such unlikely songs as Smashing Pumpkins' "1979" and Gordon Lightfoot's "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." He wasn't sure what they'll play when they visit Erie.
Look for that interview in the May 17 issue of Showcase.

Showcase also talked with Kenny Hawkins, a longtime member of Rick James' touring band. He'll be part of Cold Blooded, a tribute band to James, which plays the Docksider on May 4. Don't miss this one.