Jessel Antonio, a 30-year-old housewife, captured the hearts of the audience and emerged as the champion of the 2023 Savory Search for Karaoke Star. Her undeniable talent and captivating performances earned her the coveted title, a gleaming trophy, and the grand prize of $1,000. The thrilling competition took place at the vibrant Savory Bistro Café located on Middle Road in Garapan.
Antonio’s passion for singing, which she often indulges in while tending to her daily household chores, brought her to tears as she basked in the glory of her well-deserved victory. In the preliminary round, she wowed the judges and the crowd with her rendition of Sia’s “Chandelier”, securing her spot among the final six contestants. Her stunning performance of Fantasia’s “I Believe” in the finale solidified her win and left the audience in awe of her vocal prowess.
Not to be outdone, the talented food server Beth Ramos, 55, charmed the crowd with her lively rendition of Melissa Manchester’s “If This Is Love”, earning her the first runner-up title and a cash prize of $500 for her powerful interpretation of Whitney Houston’s “Try It On My Own”. Room attendant Robby Murillo, 37, also left a lasting impression with his soulful performance of Peabo Bryson’s “Love Always Finds A Way”, securing the second runner-up title and a cash prize of $300 for his moving rendition of Erik Santos’ “This Is The Moment”.
The competition also featured other remarkable finalists, including 50-year-old Bernard Sabino, 45-year-old Azenith Avila, and 18-year-old Donato Santiago Jr., each showcasing their extraordinary talent and adding to the exhilarating atmosphere of the event.
The star-studded evening also included captivating guest performances by last season’s title winners Brent Michael, Raniel Santos, and Alfred Tabora, as well as a riveting showcase by 2022 CNMI Got Talent second runner-up Nili De Belen. The Reel Friends, comprising of Marcie, Rosebeth, and Ms. Zhang, delivered a mesmerising dance number that added an extra layer of entertainment to the event.
A distinguished panel of judges, consisting of former Rep. Angel Demapan, Commonwealth Ports Authority board member Joseph Diaz, beauty pageant director and choreographer Ernie Molina, and credit analyst Paul Legaspi, carefully observed and assessed each contestant’s performance, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation of the participants’ talents. The tabulation of scores was meticulously handled by Esther Sablan, a prominent talent manager at the Saipan Music and Dance Studio.
The competitive spirit of the evening was further elevated by the heartfelt performances of the other contestants, all of whom brought their A-game to the stage, thrilling the audience and showcasing the depth of talent present in the community.
The 2023 Savory Search for Karaoke Star was a resounding success, celebrating the extraordinary talent and passion for music within the community. The event was a testament to the power of music in bringing people together and providing a platform for individuals to shine. Congratulations to Jessel Antonio and all the participants for their remarkable performances, and to the organisers for hosting a truly unforgettable evening of music and entertainment.
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