Huntington Idol Finals
Set for April 22
After a grueling qualifying round, this year’s Huntington Idol finals are set for Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in the Huntington High School auditorium. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10.
The original field has been narrowed to just 20 students split between the high school and J. Taylor Finley Middle School. A champion will be crowned on each level with the two winners receiving a professional recording session and free air time on WBLI - 106.1.
Advancing to the finals in the high school division are John Ferraiolo, Kiersten Freiman, Tommy Monks, Lauren Corcoran, Daniel Herion, Josh Morris, Kristina Casale, Joshua Stickell, Cassidhe Lofaso and Jalisha Wells.
The ranks of Finley finalists include Stephanie Shea, Marissa Acton, Hailey Giordano, Kristin Berner, Hannah Maiorello, Sarah Mosden, Nick Freiman, Katherine Gerdes, Haylee Karpman and Alexandra Caffrey.
Lisa Leonardi, orchestra director at Huntington High School, is coordinating the event. Proceeds will benefit orchestra student scholarships. The buzz is growing a little bit more pronounced in each building as the countdown for the big show begins in earnest.
The semi-final round drew an enthusiastic and loud crowd of about 400. They held signs for their favorite singers and generally had a blast. WBLI and Cactus Salon were on hand with free giveaways, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
“I have no idea how the judges chose the finalists from such an amazing pool of singers,” Ms. Leonardi said. Cactus Salon set up shop in the chorus room and professionally handled contestant’s hair and make-up needs prior to the show.
The semi-final pool of talent ran quite deep. For example, although he didn’t advance to the finals, Richie Gray’s rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” was among the most energizing performances, completed with back-up dancers Alison Kiley and Rebecca Deegan.
During the finals program on April 22, Huntington teachers Peter Crugnale, Michael Schwendemann, Nicole Parrett and Veronica Escamilla will also be performing.
The finals show is open to the general public.
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