Light’s, sound, performance! Disco rocks the house at Bay Area Teen Idol Competition
(Coos Bay)-It was the end of the quest for the title of Bay Area Teen Idol for two of the original 15 contestants in the competition last night. Jerica Smith of North Bend and Dillan Holman of Coos Bay performed two songs each in the genre of Movie Sound Track and Disco. And, though the two used costumes and props it wasn't enough to keep them in the competition.
Continuing her reign at the top was 14-year-old Marissa Cato, who performed a near flawless translation of "Take My Breath Away" from the movie "Top Gun", and equally as good was her performance of Yvonne Elliman's "If I can't have you."
But it was 14-year-old Thaddeus Graham-Miller of Bandon who brought the audience to their feet with Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" and brought down the house with "A Friend like Me" from the movie "Aladdin." Miller placed third after being edged out by 14-year-old Ally Putas who took the big risk and performed two difficult songs, “Reflection” from Mulan and “I Will Survive” for disco, to land her in 2nd place.
One point can mean the difference between first, second or third, and whether or not you stay in the competition for one more week. One person who knows that is Dan Gibbs, the first winner of Bay Area Teen Idol. Gibbs returned to the stage Thursday night and performed the group songs with current and previous contestants. He also performed Elton johns "your song" beautifully for the crowd of 255. It was a song he did when he competed.
Before last night’s show Gibbs worked with the programs music coach to help the competitors loosen up for the competition and gave several helpful pointers. Gibbs is in his final year at southern Oregon University studying music and vocals and plans to attend graduate school in the fall to study opera. He credited the Bay Area Teen Idol program for giving him confidence on stage and direction in his career aspirations
Competitors will continue the competition next week at the Egyptian Theatre in Coos Bay performing a "swing" or "big band" song and a song of their choice. Entry is only $2. The audience vote winner from Thursday night’s competition will also be announced.
Bay Area Teen Idol is in its 7th year and is a premiere vocal competition for Coos County Teens between the ages of 13 and 18. It is a drug, alcohol and tobacco free event
Bay Area Teen Idol is sponsored by Bay Area Together for Youth, the Coos County Commission on Children and Families, Fred Meyer and K-DOCK Radio 92.9 fm.
|
