Almost immediately following the King of Kings Karaoke Competition, a new competition began. Reef Radio/Jaguar’s 8th annual Karaoke Competition saw five weeks of eliminations, with a grand finale on Thursday September 13th, with 22 astounding performances by the 11 finalists.
Previous winners from past Reef Radio competitions were not allowed to compete. 30 aspiring singers signed up to compete for the chance to take home the grand prize of $2,000.00. Leading up to the finals, each week two individuals were elevated to the finals; one by the judges and one by the crowd. However, in the first week of competitions, there was a tie between two contestants which led to 11 individuals qualifying for the finals.
Competing in the finals were LeRoi Hyde, Jaime Bautista, Wilber Rivero, Javier Castillo, Gina Cadle, Velma Melendez, Jessica Lopez, Jackeline Retaña, Luis Albeño, Israel Zetina and Eric Figueroa.
Thursday night’s show started off with a performance by past winner Claudia Handall. Singers then came on stage one by one to wow the crowd with the best they had to offer in the hope of taking home the grand prize.
Singing tunes such as: El Problema by Ricardo Arjona; Porque me Haces Llorar by Juan Gabriel; Crazy by Patsy Cline; Que Bello by Kiara and Donde estan Corazon by Enrique Iglesias to name a few. LeRoi Hyde was first to take center stage with El Problema by Ricardo Arjona, which received standing ovations. This was followed by other energetic performances each garnering screams and shouts of support.
Following the competition, votes were tallied and it was time to announce the winners. In third place with 97.5 points and taking home $500 was Eric Figueroa. Tied with 98 points each was Velma Melendez and Gina Cadle. This was a first as both performers were equally talented. As a result, both ladies had to choose a song and sing for the judges, who then had the hard task of voting for the champion. In second place, and taking home $1,000 cash was Gina Cadle. And the grand prize winner, after competing for several years went to — (drum roll please) Velma Melendez! For winning first place, Velma took home $2,000 cash and major bragging rights. Congratulations Velma!
Singers are reminded that the Reef Radio / Jaguar’s annual Karaoke Competition is an annual event and commences shortly after the Costa Maya Festival. Anyone can qualify to compete, with the exception of past winners. Best of luck to all potential competitors in next year’s karaoke!
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