WATCH: Kamloops teen shows off his pipes on American Idol

Mar 22, 2022 | 1:00 PM

A Kamloops teenager got his moment in the spotlight Monday night (Mar. 22) on American Idol.

WATCH: (Video Credit: YouTube / American Idol)

Cameron Whitcomb, 18, who works as a pipeliner, auditioned in front of judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Ritchie, singing ‘Rock, Salt and Nails’ by Waylon Jennings — but not before performing a spontaneous backflip.

After belting out the country ballad, the youngster told the judges it was his first time singing in front of an audience.

Missing Snowmobilers

Three sledders, two whom were missing for days, rescued from Hunters Range area

55m ago

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

Dec 14, 2025

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

While all three judges praised Whitcomb’s vocal tone, the overall reaction was mixed.

“I don’t think you have any idea what you’re doing,” Bryan said, noting Whitcomb’s inexperience.

“The tone that you have, if organized, could be really something amazing,” added Ritchie. “But you’re not organized yet. You need time to just put it together.”

Needing the approval of two out of three judges to move into the competition, Whitcomb received a “no” from Ritchie and a “yes” from Perry, leaving the deciding vote up to Bryan.

“I just like you, for some reason,” Bryan said before giving Whitcomb his second “yes,” prompting another backflip.

by James Peters

View Comments