Carlow Rush (L), Jacksun Fryer (centre) and Lauren Spencer-Smith (R) had banner 2022's with multiple performances on major network television, awards shows and live events. (submitted photos)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

local talent

Top Stories of 2022: Local performers star on major network TV

Dec 24, 2022 | 9:12 AM

NANAIMO — 2022 was a banner year for some local entertainers.

Funkanometry, the viral dance duo of Nanaimo’s Jacksun Fryer and Duncan’s Carlow Rush, wowed audiences with their performances on the hit NBC show America’s Got Talent.

The pair grooved their way past an opening audition on a June 7 episode of the show, performing to a medley of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” and Rick James’ “Superfreak” for the panel of judges and earning unanimous support

““I loved this audition,” Simon Cowell said. “I think you are fun, original, my only issue was it wasn’t long enough.”

“That was so good on so many levels, you’re in sync together,” Howie Mandell added. “Your faces and your acting and your little storytelling worked, and also your choice of music (was great).”

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Funkanometry’s feedback for their next performance for a live audience in the knockout round in August was a little more mixed.

Fryer and Rush grooved to Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Boogie Wonderland”, MC Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This”, “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston.

While Cowell was again on board, calling them one of his favourites, others weren’t as excited.

The pair were eliminated from the show, but look back on the experience fondly.

Fryer said performing on the America’s Got Talent stage forced them into some new territory.

“There was some pressure, mostly with last minute changes of our piece. We left the Island with nothing solidified and we technically didn’t finish our piece until the day before or maybe the morning of. That was pretty heat and stressful, but when it comes to performing live we’ve done it our whole lives.”

The main issues with their performance on NBC was getting the rights to use each song, so executives limited which songs they could use.

Following their appearance on the show, both Rush and Fryer picked up a string of gigs across North America.

Their schedule included multiple shows at a NASCAR Playoffs event in Texas in late September and were centre ice for the Vancouver Canucks’ home opener at Rogers Arena.

Funkanometry weren’t the only artists locally to be getting some worldwide attention.

Lauren Spencer-Smith returned to network television with an appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.

She was the musical guest for the Aug. 8 edition of the show, performing her single Narcissist.

The spot came following a banner few years for the talented singer.

In early 2022, Spencer-Smith released a new chart-topping single and performed live during an event at Wembley Stadium in England. She also performed at the 2022 People’s Choice awards.

She also earned a Juno nomination in 2020 and appeared on American Idol, making the top 20 the same year.

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