Teen Idols sing their lungs out!

It’s time to sing! And Brooklyn teens are more than ready for the challenge.

Fifteen participants were chosen by the Bay Ridge Community Council’s (BRCC) Committee for Arts and Culture to participate in this year’s Teen Idol Competition.

The teen finalists, who range between the ages of 13 and 18, auditioned in the month of June for a spot in the finale which will take place on September 15, at 7 p.m., at Xaverian High School.

A larger space was provided due to last year’s enormous turnout; an approximate number of 400 people showed up to watch the competition in 2011.

Karen Tadross, second vice president of the BRCC and co-chair of the Committee for Arts and Culture, said of the finalists, “They are all strong competitors. Each one is very unique.”

So, who are they? They are: Christina Chimento, Nicolette Shin, Alfred Mendez, Amanda Poli, Patty Piccinonno, Ashley Chic, Tim Sundholm, Nicole Gatto, Taylor Leigh Cannon, Dana Curreri, Kristin Furfaro, Amanda Marucci, Mona Bruno, Melissa Licciardello and Victoria Amato.

After being selected to participate in the competition, each of the talented teens was mentored for five weeks in July and August by members of the Committee for Arts and Culture to help them perfect their performances and prepare for their big day.

The big day, or the Grand Finale, will consist of an opening number, featuring all of the performers singing together as a group, followed by solo performances by all of the fifteen finalists, as well as a special appearance by last year’s winner, Austin Zambito-Valente, a 13-year-old eighth grader, who has performed in the Rockaway theater, has sung in special events in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and has also been a part of Jeff Samaha Theater Productions since winning.

“The contestants are great kids,” added Tadross. “Some of them perform in Community Theater, and some have never performed before.”

The finale winner will receive a $500 prize, and a fan favorite will be selected, with the audience getting to judge. The fan favorite will receive a $100 cash award.

Tickets will be sold at the door only, at a cost of $10.

All proceeds will be given to the Kassenbrock Brothers Memorial Scholarship Fund, benefiting high school students with a record of documented community service who are heading to college.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.