It’s no secret karaoke brings out the best in people, but Battioke — that’s a whole different level. Former NBA champion Shane Battier and his wife Heidi brought Shane Battier’s Clutch City Battioke back to Houston, where it all started.
And while it was no American Idol, the evening was entertaining — to say the least.
The event took place in South Florida for the past four years (Battier played for the Miami Heat from 2011-2014) before returning to the Bayou City.
“By combining philanthropic-minded people, good eats, and ‘creative’ karaoke, we are proud of what Battioke has become and are proud to return to its roots," said Battier, who retired after the 2014 finals when the Heat lost to the San Antonio Spurs. "Clutch City Battioke promises to be one of the greatest nights in celebrity karaoke ever witnessed."
Shane and Heidi showed up in metallic, sparkly evening wear (Shane in gold tuxedo pants and a bowtie) and both sported matching (large) NBA Championship Heat rings (he won world championships in Miami in 2012 and 2013). Battier, who played for the Rockets from 2006-2011, was warmly welcomed by the Houston throng.
The evening started with a unique duet as Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey as Glinda The Good Witch and Shane on stage as the Wicked Witch of the West performed their own creative lyrics to a song from the Broadway musical, Wicked, setting the tone for the celebrity-fueled event. That alone was well worth the cost of admission ($125 for general seating).
Others in attendance included Houston Rocket D-Mo (Donatas Motiejunas), who sang the Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way," Oklahoma City Thunder star Steve Novak with his offbeat (but fun) rendition of Montel Jordan’s "This Is How We Do It," former Houston Texan David Anderson and his wife Analeis, Jose Cruz Jr. and wife Sarah, and Rusty Hardin.
At the end of the night, Houston fans saw something rare – Roger Clemens as the closer. Before putting on his shades and literally “getting down,” the Rocket took a minute to pay tribute to Milo Hamilton, who had passed away earlier in the day.
Joined by his good buddy Jim “Wild Wild” West, Clemens closed out the fun-filled evening with three songs, including some Motown, David Allen Coe, and Toby Keith, which literally brought the house down.
Morey and Clemens were declared the co-winners, but Clemens deferred to Morey. “Anyone who can dress up like a woman and look good deserves to win,” Clemens said.
But the real winner was the The Battier Take Charge Foundation, which makes college education available to students who might not otherwise be able to afford it. The evening raised close to $68,000, which will provide four full college scholarships.
The foundation, established by the couple, is dedicated to providing resources for the development and education of underserved youth and teens. The couple's mission is to encourage and inspire a new generation of potential leaders through educational opportunities and the cultivation of effective leadership skills.
Suzanne and Hernaldo Rivera.
