Country Idol Karaoke Discovers Best Singers In Upstate New York

It was another big Bud Light Country Night with Vapor, at Saratoga Casino, packed from the dance floor to the balcony. Of those hundreds of fans, just over 100 people registered on-line and in person for the chance to sing on the big stage to qualify for $5,000 and perform on the Center For Disability Services Telethon.

April 21 was the third round of WGNA's Country Idol Karaoke Show, and once again the most common words heard from the judges were "more stage presence: don't just stand there" and "dress up: wear appropriate stage attire."  In the end, 5 contestants who had the complete package were invited to advance to the finals.

Judges Scott Blaine (WGNA), Jeanette Vogel (WGNA), and Jesse Jackson (Look TV) stopped 6 singers, let quite a few mediocre voices pass, and in the end voted the following singers to the top of the class: Nikki Hath of Saratoga, Faith VanDemark, Rachel Martin of Nassau, Steve Thomas of Watervliet, and Jason Halse-Fitzpatrick of Colonie.

Contestants have the chance to earn up to 25 points per judge based on vocals, 15 points for stage presence, and 10 points for appearance.  May 19 is the last call for singers to pass the audition to make it to the June 16 finals. The contest is open to any unsigned artist that performs a Top 40 Country Hit, past or present. Hopeful singers may pre-register at www.wgna.com.