Saturday was the first chance for 20 contestants to try to bust through the window of opportunity and become the next Virgin Islands Idol. When the night was over, six were still in the running for the title.
The first competition round of the Virgin Islands Idol contest was held Saturday in the auditorium at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School. The six finalists are now bound for the grand finale Aug. 24 at the Reichhold Center. They are Derek Tavernier and Salvation Sound, Numbaz, Josh Watson, Jahmani Johnson, Scooby and Twine Stars. Only five were expected to be picked, but a tie brought the sixth in.
The audience of more than 50 enjoyed Josh Watson’s rendition of “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness.
“I’m a big fan of rock. You had great energy. I have no complaints,” judge Nissa Copemann told Watson. Copemann is director of the Reichhold Center for the Arts.
DJ Eddie of 103.5 The Reef agreed.
“I have no choice but to give you a 10 my brother,” he said.
Maria Powell performed Rhianna’s “Cry” and Phillip Augustine performed an original track.
V.I. Idol includes three competition events featuring 62 contestants, culminating in the grand finale. The second competition round will be held July 27 and the third will be Aug. 3. All the preliminary rounds will be held at the BCB Auditorium.
Any obscene, violent or profane language will result in an automatic disqualification.
Alvin “Alico” Marks Jr., CEO and founder of LP Entertainment, was watching American Idol seven years ago when he came up with the idea to bring a similar event to the territory. He utilized his network of industry connections, sought advice from older businesspeople and organized the event. The event takes about six months to organize and three to four months to promote, Marks said.
“We had the power and the ability to do it so I figured why not,” Marks said.
Contestants will vie for an assortment of prizes in the winner-take-all competition, including cash, trophies, gift certificates, smartphones, rims and tires. Prizes will also include an opportunity to film a music video, record a single and a round trip ticket to Atlanta to record at Platinum Recording Studio.
Half of Saturday’s performers were from St. Thomas, while the remaining ten contestants came from St. Croix and the British Virgin Islands. Contestants must reside in the following areas: St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, Water Island, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke or Virgin Gorda.
The competition was judged on a complex scoring system. Five judges based their scores on such factors as professionalism, vocal clarity, energy, crowd interaction, originality, creativity and stage presence – or “swag.” Each judge gave scores ranging from zero to ten, with the highest possible score being 50.
Also competing Saturday were Lakia Frett, Javon Stanley, Lorenzo Thomas, AJ Blackman, Dem Rude Boyz, Lyrik, Christal Forbes, Dawuud Nyamekye, Zephaniah Callwood, JoJo, Jerica Lugo and Sno.
In the grand finale, where finalists will be backed by a live band, and will be required to present an original songs. Judges will use a digital sound meter for crowd reaction in case a tiebreaker is needed.
After 15 finalists from the three competition events are selected a non-finalist will be selected to compete at the grand finale based on votes received by the public. Residents can vote for the fan favorite by registering at www.viidol.com. Registrants are limited to 10 votes per account.
The event is presented by LP Entertainment. Sponsors include the Department of Tourism, 105.3 JAMZ, 103.5 The Reef, Sen. Donald Cole, Sen. Clifford Graham, Color Max, Hostile Magazine and Urban Threadz.
Marks said the purpose of the event is to entertain the audience but also unearth talent within the territory in need of development.
“It was always the plan to find special talent,” Marks said. “Lots of people go away to the states to enhance their career. But we want careers to blow up straight from here.”
