The contestants are back for round two of Ville Idol, but did they step it up enough to move on to the finals? On Saturday, Millersville produced the ‘Ville Idol semi-finals, which consisted of contestants cut from 48 original contenders to 18 students and alumni competing for the $1000 cash prize in each category.
The theme for this round was inspirational songs and the contestants sang songs ranging from I’ll Be by Edwin McCain to What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong to Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson. Contestants stepped up the competition with their vocals, but the performance aspect of the show seemed to be lacking in comparison to round one. How will it all affect the judging?
Judges for this round include Kelly West, a 30-year broadcast veteran, Ray Antonelli, a director and choreographer, Ric Zimmerman, an international vocalist, director and conductor, and Deb Lenssen, a singer, conductor, violinist and Millersville faculty member. Hosting the event was Lori Burkholder. This segment of the three-part show was based on vocal ability, performance, and stage presence. Although many of the contestants who came back were diversified in their song stylings, some just did not measure up.
In the category of students, three names deserve to be mentioned, along with the votes to move into the finals. Junior Leslie J. Barton, who sang I Wonder by Kellie Pickler, received a raving review from the panel of judges.
Kelly West thought “[she was] a star,” and Ray Antonelli, of his critique said “I was so enthralled by your performance I didn’t write anything down.”
Barton is outstandingly talented and set the bar high for the rest of the following performers to try and match.
The second student who made the judges sit up and pay attention was junior Rose Hughes. Singing a tough song vocally, Christina Aguilera’s I Turn to You, she hit every note and showed the audience what a singer really sounds like. Kelly West commented on “What control – the end key change and dynamics were right on target,” of the vocal range Hughes maintained. Ray Antonelli said her performance was “of Whitney Houston quality.”
According to Hughes, she chose an inspirational song because “It reminds me of my family, I grew up singing it, and I can always turn to them for help.”Another student, 16-year-old freshman Heather Hagni, chose to sing Fever by Peggy Lee – a capella, a choice that takes nerve because she did not have background singers to harmonize with, or musical notes if she lost her pitch. However, this did not stop the talented contestant.
Of her choice, Deb Lenssen said “I was impressed with your confidence,” and Zimmerman said “you definitely stylized it.”
In the faculty category, Jason Genise-Gdula brought his performance up a notch for round two. Singing Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynrd, Ray Antonelli said “you strike me as honest and down to earth like your song.” He brought a stool out for his performance, and sang barefoot, both elements that helped him connect with the audience on a personal level.
By and large, round three will cut out any performers who did not “perform” in Saturday’s competition. Round Three, the Ville Idol Finals, will take place on Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. in Lyte Auditorium. Tickets are $8 with an MU ID. Who, of the remaining contestants, will win the $1000 cash prize? Viewers must wait and see.
Make sure not to miss the next upcoming Ville Idol events. Audience members are able to cheer both students and alumni on. This far into the competition, only the best performers are left. Though, the laughs are over, the talent is not. All Millersville is invited to join in on the fun.
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