FREEHOLD — The 2013 edition of the “Freehold Idol” talent competition is coming to a close and, according to Downtown Freehold CEO Richard Gatto, the number of participants and fans coming to watch the show has grown significantly since the event’s inception five years ago.
“Freehold Idol” takes place on Wednesday evenings at the Monmouth County Hall of Records Plaza on Main Street.
On Aug. 14, the finals were held in the 16- to 22-year-old and 23-and-over age groups. Gatto said about 600 people came out to watch the performances.
Tonight, Aug. 21, the finalists in the 10- to 15-year-old age group will perform for the “Freehold Idol” judges and fans.
Last week, in the finals of the 16- to 22- year-old age group, there was a tie for first place between Damien Otchere, 17, of East Orange, who sang a medley of Motown songs, and C.J. Marsini, 18, of Middletown, who sang “Feeling Good.” Damien and C.J. each received $500 and a crystal trophy.
Damian has reached the finals before, but this was his first victory.
“I came determined and raring to go this year,” said Damian, who is pursuing a career in music.
C.J., who was also a finalist in previous years, said he, too, is pursuing a career in music. C.J. is a member of the band NY 5. He plans to attend the Berklee College of Music, Boston, in the fall of 2014.
There was a tie for second place in the 16- to 22-year-old age group between Allie Gorenc, 17, of Manalapan, who sang “Mama Knows Best,” and Kayla Raparelli, 17, of Southampton, who sang “I Am Changing.” Each won $250.
In the 23-and-over age group, the winner’s trophy and a check for $500 was presented to Lauren Rosenthal, 24, of Edison, who sang “Make You Feel My Love.” Lauren said she was “shocked and amazed” to win. She is an editorial intern at W.W. Norton & Company.
Second place in the 23-and-over age group went to Stanley Pembleton, 69, of Freehold Borough, who sang “Georgia on My Mind.” Pembleton won $250. Third place and $100 went to Horace La Cagnina, 68, who sang “My Way.”
Local musician Jo Wymer returned as a “Freehold Idol” judge this year and said, “The number of participants has increased, and our crowds have gotten bigger and they are more into it.
“The crowds are so supportive of the contestants. The people of Freehold have truly embraced this event, from the judges to the participants to our sponsors.
“The participants were unbelievably talented this year,” she said. “It is a good feeling to see contestants who have come back year after year and finally win. … I want people to want music in their lives. The contestants really put themselves out there. They put their hearts and souls into their performances.”
Wymer said the contestants are judged on their vocal skills, how they engage the audience, how they react to and handle distractions, and more.
Local musician Lee Ottman, lead singer of the band NRG, said that when he began judging the contest three years ago he had no idea of the caliber of talent he would be judging.
“This competition is not a joke,” Ottman said. “The participants realize it is serious and they work hard.”
He said he was impressed and surprised at the “poise, confidence and voices” the contestants displayed.
As to being a judge, Ottman said, “I enjoy being part of the town. I love judging the competition and I love being around music. I like to see upcoming talent, and it is a good feeling to think I may have a slight hand in helping the participants to pursue their dreams.”
— Clare Marie Celano