The third annual Soo Theatre International Idol Vocal Competition is underway, with spectacular performances by all contestants. The vocal competition is modeled after American Idol, but with a twist, as the competitors come from the Eastern Upper Peninsula area, including both Sault, Michigan and Sault, Ontario. Contestants are divided into two age groups, 13 years old and under and 14 years old and above.
Qualifying rounds were held this past Sunday, June 6th, with a total of 29 contestants vying for a spot in next week’s competition. Mark San Angelo did an excellent job as MC, along with the competition's judges George Snider, Allison Miller, and Amy Preville.
Special guest Bill Kritselis performed his song, "Born In Sault Ste. Marie,” for the audience. Mr. Kritselis, in his 80s, who has always hoped to sing on the big stage at the Soo Theater, was able to realize his dream by performing during the first round qualifying.
Seven contestants performed in the 13-and-under age group, all of whom impressed the judges enough to move on to the next round. This group is comprised of Hollyann Beck, Riley Gridzak, Caitlin LeBlanc, Joselynn Payment, Eva Perron, Sam Burton, and Jade Osborn. During the next round this group will perform two songs from two different categories, "Anything Disney" and “Singer’s Choice.”
In the 14-and-older age group there were a total of twenty-two contestants, fifteen of which will be moving on to the next round. Those moving on are Crystal Bialorucki, Hannah Burton, Brandon Carr, Caity Carter, Sarah Donnelly, Zachariah Dose, Tawny Freel, Sheri Hicks, Kierstan Jacobson, Christian Perron, Kellen Perron, Larry Peterman, Morgan Steele, Jesse Trotter, and Tiffany Williams. This group will also perform two songs from two different categories, “Beatles” and “Singer’s Choice.”
The second round of Soo Theatre’s International Idol begins at 6 p.m. this Sunday, June 13th. Special guest performer will be the winner from last year’s competition, Danielle Petingalo. Admission is $5.00 with all proceeds benefiting the Soo Theatre Project, Inc.
Further information can be obtained by calling the theatre at (906) 632-1930 or visiting our website at www.sootheatre.org. The Soo Theatre Project is located at 534 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
Join us in supporting the Idol contestants and the Soo Theatre Project.