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First-ever Dwyer Idol ends in success

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Contributed by: Jessica Gillespie on 3/20/2007

If the entertaining MCs and talented singers didn't make the first-ever Dwyer Idol, which took place March 15th, feel quite like the ever-popular American Idol, the voting process sealed the deal.

After the first competitor's performance and critique, MC Nicole Cass announced, "If you want Alexa Coriaty to be the first Dwyer Idol, write 'Idol 01' on the back of your ticket." During intermission, chorus students collected tickets and counted votes to determine the top three performers.

The judge's panel included Assistant Principal Dan Frank and math teachers Wendy Woodstock and Julie Gedo. Though their critiques didn't match their American Idol counterparts, both women, "looked better than Paula Abdul," and were told so by MC Seamus O'Neil. The judges remained polite and encouraging and rarely gave anything but positive comments.

After intermission, Generation Gap, a local band named for the age range of members (members range from seventeen to fifty-six) entertained the audience. The band included two teachers and two students from Dwyer along with other members. Teachers Boyd (Stix) Allen, drums, and Mike Lioce, lead guitar and vocals, played along with Tom (T-Bone) Russo, bass, Jim Klein, rhythm guitar, and student backup singers Jessica Moody and Stephanie McAliley. They performed Iggy Pop's "Louie Louie" and Jimi Hendrix' "Hey Joe." The band earned a great applause.

Following the band, the performers lined up in the order in which they sang. The MCs informed the singers and audience whether or not each individual placed in the top three. Among the top three were Chase Merrill, who isn't in the chorus. Judge Woodstock commented after his performance, "Chase, you are so comfortable on stage." He sang "Black Balloon" by the Goo Goo Dolls and played his guitar during his performance. The other runner-up was Sarah Morris, who sang "Something to Talk About" by Bonnie Raitt. Julie Jane't sang "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas, and after her performance, Judge Frank announced that Jane't was the best performance so far. When the judges asked Jane't what she thought about her performance, she exclaimed, "I think I rocked it!" Many agreed with the judges and Jane't and voted her the first Dwyer Idol.

Creative stage lighting enhanced performances, and some competitors added simple dance moves to their songs. Junior Casey Byerly used drastic arm movements and passion while she sang Abba's "Winner Takes it All." "I auditioned because I love singing. I like to get my face out there and see if anyone recognizes me," said Byerly. Byerly is the Vice President of chorus and an active member of the Élan show choir.

Singers not only put passion into their singing; some passionately chose songs. Sophomore Kaylee Miller, a member of the Visions chorus, sang the song "Reflections" by Christina Aguilera. "I chose this song because I think everyone should be accepted for who they are," Miller released to the audience before singing.

The twelve contestants weren't the only students who auditioned. Two audition dates took place prior to the Dwyer Idol performance. After the first audition, several people went on to the second round of competition. After the second round, the twelve in the competition were chosen. The Dwyer Idol contestants faced the judges and Pamela Varnadore, the chorus director, in the pre-performance stages, and faced the judges in the final round of competiton.

With such entertainment, the performance was not a free event. Chorus students sold tickets for $5 in advance during lunches and around school. At the door, tickets were $7 and stapled to the slip of paper in which audience members voted. A concession stand was also open, selling basic snacks and bottled water. Ticket and concession sales benefited the chorus department and supported the winner's prize. Jane't not only received recognition as the first Dwyer Idol; she also received a $100 cash prize.

Hosted, judged, and voted like the reality television show, the performers participated in an exciting competition. The first-ever Dwyer Idol was ultimately a success and left chorus members and fellow Panthers alike proud.

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

Submitted By: Boyd Allen

posted on 3/21/2007 @ 8:01:09 AM

Rated Story

Wish we could use it in our paper -- let's not say "released" when we mean "said" though - other than that -- wonderful -- and I hear that Stix is a cool guy . .

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Submitted By: alex pollard

posted on 3/20/2007 @ 5:21:05 PM

(Not Rated)

Hey jess I enjoyed your coverage of Dwyer Idol. i hope to hear more in the future. Keep the Panther pride strong.

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