Karaoke singers hit the right notes at County Fair
Adriana Schiavone of Kendall wins the title
Photos and article by Natalie Baron
KNOWLESVILLE – Adriana Schiavone of Kendall sings “Journey to the Past” from Anastasia during the karaoke championship on Thursday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Adriana scored first place out of 11 participants in the annual karaoke contest. She received a $500 prize. The competition has been held for “at least 30 years here,” said DJ Brad London, who has led the popular event.
Adriana, a star of Kendall school musicals, had a humble start to the karaoke contest. “I did it last year, and I didn’t go through to finals, so I came into it with the goal of just making it to finals. I knew about it since I was a little girl.”
Adriana was not expecting any prize and was all smiles when she won. “When they said 2nd, I was a little disappointed, and when they called my name, I was like, wow!”
(Left) Amir Huzair, who placed second last night, performs “Why, God, Why?” from Miss Saigon. (Center) Heidi Feuerherm sings “At Last” by Etta James. (Right) Emily Schiffhauer confidently sings “Valerie” by Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse.
Abigail Pratt, who placed third and won a $125 prize, sings “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan. “I’m currently a music student at Fredonia,” Abigail shared. “Music has always been my specialty!”
Abigail’s interest in the karaoke competition grew as she wanted a new space to perform. “Usually I’m at a rehearsal for a summer theater program during this time, but I’ve grown out of this, so I thought, why not come to a little karaoke contest!”
Frank “Boomer’oke” Buell won the fan favorite prize for his engagement with the audience during his performance of Journey’s “Faithfully,” exiting the stage during his performance to mingle with the crowd.
This is Frank’s second year bringing his talents to the karaoke contest. “Friends at my work Wynland Foods asked me to join, and I said y’know what, I’ll sign up,” Frank said. “So, I came and ended up singing One by Creed, interacted with the audience and had a great time!”
(Left) Phoebe Allen enthusiastically sings “Unbelievable” by Diamond Rio. (Center) Samuel Robinson, placing fourth, energetically performs “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin, dancing across the stage. (Right) Denin “Jersey Dee” Martino gets into it performing All Jacked Up by Gretchen Wilson, ultimately placing fifth.
There were five top scorers and two additional prize winners at the karaoke contest on Thursday. Six judges announced the winners of the competition based on the criteria of 1/3 cheering, 1/3 stage presence, and 1/3 vocals. The top five contestants were all only five point values apart from each other, a testament to each one’s talent.
From left include Adriana Schiavone, first ($500 prize); Amir Huzair, second ($250 prize); Abigail Pratt, third ($125); Emily Schiffhauer, the “Best New Performer,” Samuel Robinson, fourth ($75), Denin “Jersey Dee” Martino, fifth ($50), and Frank “Boomer’oke” Buell, the fan favorite.
Audience members take to the stage as the judges tally the contestants’ point values. They danced to a couple of songs, including Cotton Eye Joe.
