Mind Games
Telling "Real" Psychics From Fakes Is "Challenge"
Jackie Barrett tries to diagnose a patient's illness purely from his vibe

November 23, 2007 -- QUICK! Guess which talent show I'm reviewing without looking at the headline!
If you guessed "Dancing with the Stars," you are about as good at predicting the future as Dick Cheney. If, however, you guessed "America's Psychic Challenge," you are indeed psychic yourself and you get to go onto round two as a semi-finalist.
Ready? Begin round two: Can you name the two things that get on my nerves about "Psychic Challenge" - which is nonetheless my favorite talent show this season?
Answers: First, if the contestants are really psychic, why didn't they know before signing up who the winner would be? And if they knew, why bother showing up?
The second thing that gets on my nerves about the show? That I, myself, didn't pass the online test and get picked to be a contestant. Yes. I took the test and yes, I fully expected to be called. I have therefore decided not to give up my semi-lucrative career as a writer to become a rich professional psychic.
That being said, "America's Psychic Challenge" is still more fun than half the junk that passes for entertainment on TV these days, and it's especially tremendous fun tonight, which is of course, everybody's favorite night to kick back, lay on the couch and eat leftovers.
Tonight there are four semi-finalists: Jeff Baker, the psychic gay cabellero from Texas; Michelle Whitedove, the psychic with big hair and a lovely way about her; Lynn Miller, also a very talented psychic who could pass for the bright, perky woman at every cocktail party you've ever gone to; and Jackie Barrett, the dark soul who you've probably never seen at any cocktail party. Ever. A coven, maybe, but a party? The fact that Jackie plays for the other team - the one that plays with black magic - doesn't mean she's not talented. She is. Unpleasant, nasty and seemingly ready to implode and explode at the same time, sure, but also talented.
Tonight the semi-finalists are given several challenges, each more interesting than the next. Look, this show could have turned into dopey parlor tricks and card guessing games, but it didn't. And that gives it legitimacy both as entertainment and as a look into the brains of people who are able to use more than the standard 7.5 percent brainpower we're usually allotted.
First, they must nail where a crew member of the Queen Mary is standing via "remote viewing."
The second challenge, which they all fail, should be the simplest of all: Guessing which guy of four on a ranch is a cowboy. Even Texas Jeff can't shoe that horse.
Finally, they are brought to a bar where a horrific murder occurred. You will be amazed at which psychics blow it and which one is, er, so dead-on that it's a killer.
"America's Psychic Challenge"
Tonight at 10 on Lifetime

Jackie Barrett is a psychic medium and author for over 23-years who has clients all over the world including celebrities in the music & entertainment industry, as well as professional athletes. Bonded by several DA's across the country, she has worked with Americas Most Wanted and has assisted the police in cold case files across the country. Jackie's amazing ability to communicate with the dead and guide the living has propelled her into the spotlight and earned her the title as the guardian angel of New Orleans.  Jackie's remarkable efforts with the Red Cross and the Jackie Barrett Foundation have earned her a great deal of respect for her compassionate ways, and have enabled her to help many people from all walks of life.
Jackie Barrett is a member of the Voodoo Spiritual Temple of New Orleans where she is known as the healer. Hollywood producers often call upon Jackie for her insight to provide guidance on special projects.  She is also a consultant to paranormal groups and their events.

Jackie has conducted paranormal investigations in very well known haunted sites throughout America such as the Eastern State Penitentiary, Castle Inn, Lizzie Borden B&B, Liberace House in Las Vegas, and many more. Jackie is most sought after for her unique séances where she allows the guest to communicate with the contacted spirit instead of the traditional séance where the only the medium will make contact with the spirit. Jackie has performed her séances in art galleries in NYC and has been featured by the media for her art. Jackie was the exclusive featured psychic at HauntX and held VIP séances for three days for 400 people from around the world, and the reaction was incredible. She was also featured in the celebrity room for book signings, autographs and photos with other celebrities and producers. Jackie is the author of a #1 best selling book, The House That Kay Built , which has been referred to as "scary and twisted".

Jackie has lectured in paranormal conventions across America and has appeared on various radio shows where she had discussed her experiences as a psychic medium. She lead a large group on a paranormal investigation aboard the Queen Mary and from this experience, she has been invited back to the Queen Mary for the Ghost Con & Expo in Nov 2006. Jackie has also been asked to produce and consult on Fangoria TV's Strange & Unusual and The Darker Side.

As Jackie continues to amaze & fascinate people across the globe, she is still considered the icon she was in New Orleans 23 years ago. She is the student of many religions including occultist and spirituality, and uses these practices in her everyday life.
Jackie is also the advisor for many authors, screen writers & producers.