Raiders singer Fletch Walcott wins $150K on Fox show

David Perrico’s Pop Strings expected some additional exposure when it became the Raiders House Band. But singer Fletch Walcott went next-level with this concept.

Walcott won $150,000 on the Fox contest series “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” which debuted Monday night. The series is a revival of the 2007-2009 series of the same name, hosted by Wayne Brady. A syndicated version, hosted by Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, aired from 2010-2011.

Contestants attempt to sing out the correct lyrics to popular songs in several categories. A singer wins $1 million by nailing 10 out of 10; the quality of singing is not important, only the accuracy of the lyrics. The show proclaims, “You don’t have to sing it well. You just have to sing it right.”

But Walcott is a great singer. That’s why he’s in the Raiders’ band, and has been with Perrico’s roster for several years. His call-out of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” on the Fox show was especially inspired.

On Monday, Walcott had advanced with a half-dozen correct lyrical responses before halting on the Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Having hit the mark on eight consecutive lyrics, Walcott was offered a shot to complete a sentence in the song to advance to $250,000. That’s two steps away from $1 million.

If Walcott erred by even one word, he would return to Las Vegas empty-handed.

The studio audience woudln’t have been surprised if the Vegas guy gambled on this decision. But he knows when to fold ‘em. Walcott told host comedian Niecy Nash he has four kids and a wife with whom he wants to share the wealth. A graduate of Las Vegas Academy, Walcott also said he plans to give back to the Vegas community.

“I’m thinking about my family. I’m thinking about my city. I’m thinking about my friends,” Walcott said in the episode taped about a year ago in L.A. (and a fist-bump to Walcott for adhering to the show’s nondisclosure requirement for a full year). “It’s not worth it to risk this money right now. I’ve got to walk away.”

The correct answer from “Satisfaction” that Walcott didn’t face was: “… about some useless information, supposed to fire my imagination.” Add that song to the Raiders’ set list for the 2022 season.

On Tuesday, Walcott said he knew he was holding his $150,000 prize as soon as he saw the song title.

“I love the Rolling Stones, and I’ve heard that song a million times, but I’ve never sung along to it,” Walcott said. “I’ve never sung it in a show But if it were ‘Miss You’ I would have been ready.”

Somewhere, over Rainbow

A few weeks ago, iconic boxing broadcaster (and capable Vegas lounge singer) Al Bernstein mentioned he had tickets to see Randy Rainbow at The Venetian Theatre. Rainbow headlined there on May 6. Bernstein was especially excited about this show. It tuns out the pugilistic pontificator loves Rainbow’s YouTube series almost as much as the Ali-Frazier trilogy.

I remarked to Bernstein that he should try to work a Rainbow reference into his next Showtime broadcast after the Venetian show. He met that challenge at Saturday’s Luis Nunez-Jonathan Fierro bout at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz.

During the main event, Bernstein remarked of Nunez, “His counter right has the same sting as Randy Rainbow’s political commentary.” Nice.

Bernstein said Sunday, “Raul Marquez looked at me like I was from outer space,” referring to his broadcast partner. That one belongs in the Pop Culture Reference Hall of Fame.

Cool Hang Alert

The Funk Jam is christening the first Cool Hang appearance for Sand Dollar Downtown at the Plaza. Bass great Anthony James leads the unbroken, improvisational jam from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday. No cover. Feel the groove. And try the pizza.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.