Music Idol Returns to Huntington
Huntington’s version of the popular television show American Idol is ready for its second edition after 41 semi-finalists survived from a field of 90 during the initial stage of the competition.
Students from Huntington High School and J. Taylor Finley Middle School have been auditioning for a chance to become a Huntington Idol and win a free professional recording session complete with airtime on WBLI 106.1. The competition will culminate this spring with the selection of winners at both the high school and middle school levels.
The next round of competition will come when semi-finalists perform on Thursday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Huntington High School auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $10 or can be purchased in advance during the school day from high school orchestra director Lisa Leonardi, who is coordinating the event.
Advancing to the semi-final round were high school students Noelle Woods, Fredrick Wilson, John Ferraiolo, Kirsten Freiman, Tom Monks, Lauren Corcoran, Corina Antonucci, Daniel Herion, Emily Mormile, Josh Morris, Anna Schiffmacher, Kristina Casale, Joshua Stickell, Rebecca Alligood, Meghan Latini, Jaime Moskowitz, Dayna Reyes, Cassidhe Lofaso, Richard Gray, Jalisha Wells and Kristina Burgess.
The ranks of Finley semi-finals include Scott Minson, James Vicari, Katelyn Dayton, Stephanie Shea, Taivon Lapalmer, Chelsea Holmes, Marissa Acton, Hailey Giordano, Kristin Berner, Hannah Maiorello, Sarah Mosden, Nick Freiman, Katherine Gerdes, Katerra Griffin, Lacey Schedler, Alexa Antonucci, Haylee Karpman, Alexandra Caffrey, Hillary Hardardt and Elizabeth Corrao.
Last year’s semi-final and final shows were extremely exciting. Teachers Paul Esposito, Jennifer Schnitzer, Michael Schwendemann and Ms. Leonardi made popular appearances as guest vocalists. But, the real stars were students Daniel Herion (best entertainer), Sammy Sainthil (first place – high school division) and Josh Morris (first place – middle school division), who walked away with the top awards. This year’s shows should prove to be even more competitive and unique.
The qualifying competition leading up to next week’s semi-finals was fierce, especially at the high school level where 21 students were chosen instead the planned 20.
New Huntington High School chorus teacher Veronica Escamilla and English teacher and professional musician Peter Crugnale are practicing their singing for guest appearances. A crowd of 500 attended last year’s finals. An even bigger audience is expected this spring.
Proceeds from the event will benefit orchestra student scholarships. The public is welcome to attend the March 11 show.
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