FINALISTS COMPETITION
MAY 29, 2006
Barlow Community Center 
41 South Oviatt Street, Hudson

HUDSON PARK CENTRE’S 2006 HUDSON SINGING IDOL COMPETITION culminated on Memorial Day at Barlow Community Center.  Attendance for the Competition Finals was free and open to the public. Family and friends came to cheer for the finalists, and many spectators from the Hudson American Legion Parade came over to watch the Competition.

Despite the hot, hot temperatures outside, audiences inside the Center were treated to Audio-Extreme Entertainment's professional sound and lighting effects while waiting for the activities to start.  The Competition began as all the finalists appeared to join with the audience in singing, "The Star-Spangled Banner" as part of the MENC National Anthem Project.

Contestants from Aurora, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, Northfield, Stow, and Twinsburg sang music that included R&B, Broadway, Jazz Classics and Rock. Performances of eleven semi-finalists were evaluated by guest judges David Aberth, Jessica Weber and David Van Houte.   

After an exciting afternoon of performing, trophies were awarded to First Place winners Kim Thomas of Cuyahoga Falls (Adult), Teddy Tyrrell of Macedonia (Teen) and Kaley Ann Voorhees of Aurora (Youth). 

Silver medals were given to Second Place winners Lindsay Carlson of Cuyahoga Falls (Adult), Jace Craft of Hudson (Teen) and Brianna Bell of Stow (Youth).  

Bronze medals were awarded to Third Place contestants Doris Wolfe of Northfield (Adult), Brittnie Price of Hudson (Teen) and Jennifer Smale of Hudson (Youth).  

Additional prizes donated by Hudson Park Centre and other area businesses* were given offstage to winning contestants.

The Finals Competition was the last in a series of performances for the contestants, beginning on May 13 with private solo auditions before a panel of judges.  The first auditions were a capella (without accompaniment) as well as videotaped, and competitors weren't all that comfortable performing in such an exposed way. However, those who were successful at singing their auditions in tune went on to the next round.

During the Quarter-finals, performers had to come up with songs that showed off their voices and maintained energy levels that would entertain an audience. Although the contestants had accompaniments, some who thought their a capella versions were good found a whole new level of challenges as they tried to play to the videocameras while trying to convince judges that they were worthy of moving on the to Semifinals!

Singers advancing to the Semi-final round of competition got to meet the other contestants.  This time, before an audience of their peers, singers sang before cameras and judges.  While the judges made their tallies, the singers tried to relax; but when the finalists were named, there were some tears shed by those cut out of the final round.

"This is the part I hate," said Ava Van Houte, last Saturday, as she announced the names of those going into the Finals and those who would not.  "All of the singers are winners by the time they get this far, and I hope they remember that."

Reviewing the entire event, Mrs. Van Houte, Co-Chair of the 2006 Hudson SINGING IDOL Competition commented, "This was a lot of work, but we are extremely pleased with the results.  It was a good experience for the singers, the City of Hudson was friendly and helpful, and the merchants were very generous. We've learned a lot from this year's event,  so when we will do Hudson SINGING IDOL Competition next year, we'll have some additional fun features."  

 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RESULTS OF THIS YEAR'S COMPETITION!