Berlin Idol finalist with the judges and hosts finale night.
Ten Berlin middle and high school Mountaineers sang to compete for the title of the 2023 Berlin Idol on February 3rd. The evening, organized by the BMHS Music Department’s Ms. Eliashuk and Mrs. Gould, was hosted by students Curt Hurd and Xavier Lamica.
The guest judges for the competition were Ms. Honsinger, Physical Education/ Health teacher; Mr. Gould, Global Studies teacher and Mr. Covell, Social Studies teacher.
The singers sang their first-round songs in front of judges and three finalist were chosen to sing their second selections. The audience then voted for the winner. The Mountaineers all gave courageous and moving performances that left the judges after the first round with a very difficult decision.
(starting top row left to right) Berlin Idol Finalist with the judges and hosts, Maddie Rontey, Maddy Vars, Alaina Gardner, Xavier Lamica (host) & Curt Hurd (host), Clair Schaaphok, Kenny Bull, Tyler Lumpkin, Lily Mumford & Nate Goodermote, Bella Ray, Kiley Quetti and Norah Smerdon,
The finalists were: Norah Smerdon, Wings by Little Mix; Maddie Rontey, Lovely by Billie Eilish; Kenny Bull, Love Again by Kid Laroi; Clair Schaaphok, Tears of Gold by Faouzia; Tyler Lumpkin, Rude by Magic!; Maddy Vars, Delta Dawn by Tanya Tucker; Bella Ray, Lost Boy by Ruth B; Lily Mumford and Nate Goodermote, Here Comes a Thought, from Steven Universe; Kiley Quetti, Unstoppable by Sia; Alaina Gardner, Rise Up by Andra Day
During the judges’ deliberation there was a music-filled intermission with a performance by duo Graziella Hartman, piano and Charlie Young, bass and a vocal performance by Xavier Lamica.
When the judges returned, Maddy Vars, Bella Ray and Alaina Gardner were selected as the top three, and sang in that order: Fall in Love by Bailey Zimmerman; Snowman by, Sia; Speechless from Aladdin.
The audience then voted for their winner, and 6th grader Alaina Gardner was named Berlin Idol!
Alaina closed the evening with her first song choice, Rise Up.
Alaina was asked to perform her winning song the following week on February 10th, during the Academic Pep Rally. It was an outstanding performance in front of her BMHS Mountaineer peers who celebrated her win with a huge applause.
February 10th, Academic Pep Rally
“I am so proud of not only our winner Alaina, but all of our top 10 finalists of Berlin Idol,” said Ms. Eliashuk, BMHS Choral/General Music teacher.
“Our Top 10 finalists are a true testament to the talent, drive and dedication we have here in Berlin. Go Mountaineers!”
2023 Berlin Idol, Alaina Gardner
After the event Berlin Idol Alaina Gardner sat down to talk about the experience.
Alaina, who is 11 years old, has been singing
since she could talk and has been dreaming of becoming a professional singer since she was little.
“I want to pursue singing in musicals,” said Alaina.
When asked who her favorite singer is and what we can find her listening to these days Alaina responded, “There are too many great singers and too many favorite
genres of music to pick from, I like everything.”
This is clear from the list of instruments she plays: piano, ukulele, clarinet, guitar and drums.
Her song choices for Idol this year were inspired by their powerful messages and that they showcased her vocal range.
Alaina concluded saying, “I would like to congratulate all the singers for making it to the top 10 and thank my Mom, Dad, Grandparents, brother and friends for their love and support.”
Congratulations to all the Berlin Finalist! We are watching your stars!
Ms. Eliashuk, BMHS Choral/General Music teacher with Alaina Gardner
Photos Highlight from Finale Night