Get ready to rethink karaoke.
The Village Inn Idol singing competition is a karaoke contest but, said DJ Jacster –Jackie Kozak, owner of Scaraoke Entertainment – “It’s intense.”
For four weeks, every Thursday during the month of February, Village Inn Idol hopefuls signed up to perform in front of a panel of judges.
Some were standard karaoke singers; good, not great. But some – ah, some were outstanding.
Judges Tony Garcia - owner of Poleiro BBQ and a former DJ; multiple karaoke contest winner Allan Martinez; and singer and music producer Danny Panetta, a man Kozak called “our Simon Cowell,” were tasked with evaluating the 44 contestants who signed up, during the four weeks.
Each Thursday, they selected four finalists to compete for the title of Village Inn Idol, and a top prize of cash, gift certificates, a wide-screen TV set, and a professional recording session.
There were 16 singers in all who advanced to the March 7 final. The regular panel was joined by celebrity judge, DJ Vince Von (Vince Nestico), and the Village Inn was packed with supporters and fans, drawn by the promise of incredible performances.
It was so popular, said Kozak, “we had to turn people away tonight.”
The music ranged from country to headbanging metal, and the singers, from laid-back to the passionate. Each had one chance to impress the judges, who narrowed the list of finalists to just eight, called back to perform a second song.
It was a tough decision. While the judges were unanimous on Sheena Anderson, who belted out Adele’s Rolling in the Deep for her second number, for third place – it was a dead heat between Essie Avila and Tabatha Araujo for top spot.
Both received standing ovations for their singing.
It took a “sing-off," with Avila and Araujo choosing a third song to perform, without preparation, before the judges could name the new Village Inn Idol: Tabatha Araujo.
“Amazing!” said Kozak. “You guys rock with your singing.”
The competition was such a success, that the Village Inn has decided to hold another Idol contest, this time during the month of June. Once again, Thursday nights will be Idol nights, offering singers an opportunity to earn a berth in the Finals. Singers can sign up now.
Kozak DJs at the Village Inn, including on the upcoming Sunday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day party, and hosts Thursday karaoke nights. She’ll be organizing the June competition.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” she said. “There’s so much talent in this town.”
