Posted on: Tuesday, August 12, 2003
DB Wright to audition for 'American Idol'
| • | Some starting jobs still up for grabs |
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
When Simon, Paula and Randy search for America's next singing idol, they might want to consider Mr. Wright.
University of Hawai'i defensive back Gary Wright, best known for his pre-game dancing at Aloha Stadium, said he will audition for the next "American Idol" television show. Tryouts are being conducted in Hawai'i next month.
"Everybody tells me I have a pretty good voice, and a lot of them are egging me to try out," said Wright, a fifth-year senior. "I'm going to give it a shot."
Wright said he will sing either Case's "No Regrets" or Mint Condition's "Pretty Brown Eyes." Even though both are ballads, Wright, who can do a dead-on impersonation of Michael Jackson, expects to dance.
"You have to spice it up," he said. "I think the judges would want to see how I work the crowd."
He has not decided whether to remove his tongue piercing.
As a Kalaheo High student, Wright competed in three "Brown Bags to Stardom" contests, once finishing second. His teammates have nicknamed him "G. Wright the Performer."
"I'll tell you one thing," he said, "the love we have on this football team can't compare to anything else. Being on this team will always mean more than being an American Idol."
• Health report: Starting right guard Uriah Moenoa suffered a sprained left ankle during yesterday's morning practice. Although he left the field on crutches, the injury is not expected to sideline Moenoa for an extended period.
• Coach's show: Oceanic Cable and UH officials are expected to announce details of a weekly show featuring UH head coach June Jones.
The show, which will be taped before a live audience, will air Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
Russell Shimooka, who has been a sports anchor in Hawai'i and the Mainland, will host and produce the show. Shimooka also is host of a pregame show that is available to pay-per-view subscribers of home Warrior football games.
K5, which owns the local television rights to UH sports, did away with coaches' shows in 2000. Instead, the station has a weekly show featuring all aspects of UH.
