17TH ANNUAL FINALS 2023
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As we wind up another season of the contest, what we are feeling most of all is… relief! We are just about back to normal. Covid barely raised its head this season and we are looking forward to having the SCJS Orchestra back the Finalists at this season’s Grand Finale for the first time since 2019! We returned to doing all of our auditions in-person and by the time the semifinals came around, we even lifted the mask rule which had been in place for anyone entering the studio. Some things will stay for the long haul, like the air purifier during rehearsals, but we are just about done with sanitizing the microphones, too. Perhaps it’s time to be more concerned with just how much sanitizer we are exposing ourselves to! Of course, should it rear its ugly head again, we will pivot right back to the COVID protocol which kept us going safe & strong these past few years. We enjoyed meeting some new people this season who had not been willing to venture out during the restrictions and we have enjoyed seeing the audience grow along with them. There is definitely a palpable sense of appreciation for being on the other side of it all, a quiet joy as we return to all the things we previously took for granted. A lot more hugs went around this season, that’s for sure! Please enjoy the following retrospective of Season 17 of The Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest with John Santos. A Retrospective Masthead Editor John Santos Advertising John Santos Graphic Design Nuno Ferreira / Patricia Antunes 416-827-7614 • viperteam.ca Lisa Santos Printing MPI Print Distribution in Canada John Santos - 416-453-5646 in the U.S. Ildeberto (Medina Construction) 401-323-8252 View the interactive version of this magazine at www.TheSingingContest.com Table of Contents A Retrospective.............................. 1 Official Acknowledgements......... 3 The Objectives of this Contest.... 27 The Prizes ..................................... 29 Outline of the Competition........ 30 Visual Outline .............................. 31 Tips For Caring For Your Voice ... 33 1st Qualifying Round .................. 36 2nd Qualifying Round................. 38 3rd Qualifying Round ................. 40 4th Qualifying Round ................. 42 5th Qualifying Round ................. 44 1st Semifinal................................. 49 2nd Semifinal.............................. 53 The Judges ................................... 59 SCJS Orchestra.............................. 77 The Finalists.................................. 79 Who are... John & Lisa Santos (Duo Santos)............................. 101 The Coaching............................. 109 Casa do Alentejo ....................... 111 Group Event Weekend.............. 113 The Finalists In The Studio........ 117 The Season 16 Grand Finale ..... 131 Showtime ................................... 147 Back On Track ............................ 151 Where are they now? ............... 155 The Photographers.................... 161 Gallery ........................................ 165 Martins Churrasqueira & Grill House.......................................... 170 New Canadians Lumber............ 173 Thank You .................................. 175 Thanks to the Contestants........ 177 Sign Up Now .............................. 177 Index ........................................... 184 www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 1
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April 29, 2023 Dear Friends: I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone participating in the Season 17 Grand Finale of the Long and McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest with John Santos. Since 2006, this event has provided an opportunity for singers of all ages and levels to develop their vocal and performance abilities and to showcase their talents. I would like to congratulate this year’s finalists and wish them the best of luck. I am certain that you will come away from this experience with a great sense of accomplishment. I would also like to thank the organizers for their hard work in planning this year’s contest. You can take pride in your continued commitment to musical growth and learning in your community. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable event and every future success. Sincerely, The Rt. Hon. Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada Official Acknowledgements www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 3
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Official Acknowledgements O F F I C E O F T H E M A Y O R 100 QUEEN STREET WEST, TORONTO, ONTARIO, M5H 2N2 Message from the Deputy Mayor It gives me great pleasure to extend greetings and a warm welcome to everyone participating in the Season 17 Grand Finale of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest with John Santos. Today's event showcases the singing abilities of the talented finalists, whose dedication and hard work have earned them a place in the grand finale. Congratulations and best wishes to all finalists as you perform songs in your chosen language, in front of an audience. The Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest provides a wonderful platform to celebrate Toronto's rich cultural diversity, while highlighting the local talent in our city. The arts are an integral component of Toronto's cultural and economic fabric that enrich the lives of many. The arts are an incredible force for good in our city, contributing to individual and community growth, and promoting intercultural understanding, friendship and social cohesion. On behalf of Toronto City Council, please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable event and continued success. Yours truly, Jennifer McKelvie Deputy Mayor of Toronto www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 7
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Official Acknowledgements Message from the Chief of Police On behalf of the Toronto Police Service, I extend greetings to everyone attending and participating in the Season 17 Grand Finale of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest with John Santos. I am pleased to know this year’s Grand Finale will see the return of a live band to accompany the Finalists for the first time since 2019! This competition provides us with an opportunity to nurture and supportToronto artists and offers them an avenue for expression. Performing on stage in front of family, friends and fans will be a memorable and highly rewarding experience for the talented contestants. I commend Long & McQuade for their efforts in organizing this important competition each year to ensure Toronto’s exceptional music scene continues to thrive and our talented aspiring artists can pursue their dreams. I extend my best wishes to all of this year’s finalists and wish them all continued success for years to come. Sincerely, Myron Demkiw, M.O.M. Chief of Police Message from the Chief of Police On behalf of the Toronto Police Service, I extend greetings to everyone attending and participating in the Season 17 Grand Finale of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest with John Santos. I am pleased to know this year’s Grand Finale will see the return of a live band to accompany the Finalists for the first time since 2019! This competition provides us with an opportunity to nurture and supportToronto artists and offers them an avenue for expression. Performing on stage in front of family, friends and fans will be a memorable and highly rewarding experience for the talented contestants. I commend Long & McQuade for their efforts in organizing this important competition each year to ensure Toronto’s exceptional music scene continues to thrive and our talented aspiring artists can pursue their dreams. I extend my best wishes to all of this year’s finalists and wish them all continued success for years to come. Sincerely, Myron Demkiw, M.O.M. Chief of Police www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 9
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Official Acknowledgements Social Media PeterFonsecaMP Ottawa Room 870 Valour Building Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 Tel.: 613-996-0420 Fax.: 613-996-0279 Constituency 980 Burnhamthorpe Road E, Suite 3 Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 2X6 Tel.: 905-566-0009 Fax.: 905-566-0017 Peter Fonseca Member of Parliament Mississauga East-Cooksville [email protected] http://www.peterfonseca.ca The Season 17 Grand Finale of the ‘Singing Contest with John Santos’ Dated April 29, 2023 Dear Friends, Greetings to everyone taking part in the Grand Finale of Season 17 of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest with John Santos. As the Member of Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville, I am so proud to live in a country that values the diversity of its citizens and respects their right to celebrate the heritage and traditions they have brought with them. The past few years have been very difficult for our performers and musicians taking part in live events. I am delighted to see the passion, hard work and dedication with which the musicians have come this far to the grand finale. My heartfelt congratulations to all participants and finalists. As a Portuguese-Canadian, this contest is always an opportunity to celebrate my heritage and culture with others in my community. It also gives a chance for me to look back and reflect on the rich culture, history, traditions, and people that have helped me shape my identity. I truly appreciate that your contest encourages participants to share their love for music by singing in any language of their choice. On behalf of the Federal Government of Canada, I want to wish everyone the very best for the event and express my gratitude to John and Lisa Santos, for their continued dedication in supporting our Portuguese community in Canada through collaboration, preservation of our heritage, and the encouragement of cross-cultural interaction. Wishing you many more years of continued success! Sincerely, Peter Fonseca Peter Fonseca Member of Parliament Mississauga East-Cooksville www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 11
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Official Acknowledgements Constituency 30-1077 North Service Rd Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 1A6 Tel.: 905-273-8033 Charles Sousa M.P. Mississauga—Lakeshore [email protected] Ottawa Justice Building Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 Tel.: 613-992-4848 Congratulations Grand Finale Singing Contest 2023 It is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings as we come together to celebrate The Season 17 Grand Finale of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest with John Santos. The incredible talent and creative energy featured at this annual event is always impressive. The contestants’ artistic expressions have a profound impact on our lives. Thank you to the organizers for celebrating the outstanding achievements of our young artists and performers who pursue and share their passions. You offer them an important opportunity to shine. Congratulations to all of the contestants for inspiring the audience and sharing your gifts with the world. Thank you for your support of the arts! www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 13
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RUDY CUZZETTO MPP Mississauga-Lakeshore [email protected] www.cuzzetto.com rudy Queen’s Park Office: Rm. 5340 5th Flr., 99 Wellesley St. W. Toronto, ON M7A 1W3 Tel: 416-326-7239 Fax: 416-326-7233 Constituency Office: Units 1 & 2 120 Lakeshore Rd. W. Mississauga, ON L5H 1E8 Tel: 905-274-8228 Fax: 905-274-8552 BUILDING BACK OUR COMMUNITY 16 The Singing Contest 2023 www.TheSingingContest.com
Official Acknowledgements A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM RUDY CUZZETTO, MPP MISSISSAUGA-LAKESHORE April 29, 2023 Dear Friends, On behalf of the Government of Ontario and the residents of Mississauga-Lakeshore, it is my pleasure to congratulate the Season 17 Grand Finale participants of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest with John Santos. I am proud to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all the participants who have made it to the grand finale of this notable contest. It is wonderful to see the amazing talent of our young musicians in our wonderful province. Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for the industry. That is why I am so happy to see our Ontario talent back to display their remarkable skills. I want to thank the organizers for their hard work, and I wish the participants all the best in the years ahead. Sincerely, Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP Mississauga-Lakeshore www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 17
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Official Acknowledgements Season 17 of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest As your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Davenport and Opposition Leader of the Ontario NDP, it is my pleasure to congratulate Mr. John Santos, volunteers and all participants, and to welcome you to the 17th Season of the Long and McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest. Thank you for continuing to provide such an incredible opportunity for so many aspiring artists of all ages, allowing them to develop their talents and showcase those talents in our ever-changing world. This contest encapsulates the very essence of the arts, diversity and vibrancy of Toronto’s music scene. I am always proud to recognize and commend those who make important contributions to our community. Please accept my support and gratitude for this wonderful initiative. Break a leg! In Community, em comunidade, Marit Stiles, MPP Davenport Membro do Parlamento Provincial Leader, Official Opposition New Democratic Party of Ontario www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 19
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Official Acknowledgements City of Mississauga Councillor, Ward 3 300 City Centre Drive MISSISSAUGA ON L5B 3C1 www.mississauga.ca [email protected] April 4, 2023 On behalf of the City of Mississauga and the residents of Ward 3, I would like to extend my best wishes to all the participants in the Season 17 Finale of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest. This event provides a new and different opportunity for participants at all levels to showcase their talents and to enjoy the experience of performing in front of a live audience. The hard work and dedication of local talent to continue promoting music and art in the community is truly outstanding. Good luck to all the participants and congratulations on another exciting year! Respectfully, Chris Fonseca Councillor, Ward 3 City of Mississauga www.chrisfonseca.ca www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 21
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Official Acknowledgements April, 2023 Congratulations on the 17th Grand Finale of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest with John Santos It gives me great pleasure once again to have this opportunity to extend my best wishes to the organizers and participants of the 17th season grand finale of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest on Saturday April 29, 2023. This year promises to be an outstanding success. This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth in the community to explore their talents and escalate their abilities with confidence. It is amazing to see our first-class youth take the initiative to showcase their talents. Once again, congratulations to the organizers, performers and volunteers to make this such a much anticipated event! Sincerely, Stephen Dasko Councillor, Ward 1 www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 23
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The Objectives of this Contest The reasons people join this contest are varied. They may enter just for the prizes. They may enter for the free training or to get an evaluation by professionals. It may be one last try in the music business or the first time they dip their toes in the water. It may also be that their parents just want them to do something healthy with their spare time. Whatever the reason and however they place in the contest, we want them to leave with greater practical knowledge of how to sing, with an increased sense of self-confidence, with a new network of friends with similar interests and with contacts in the music industry that they can turn to for advice in the future should they need it. We continue to promote an environment where all the performers are respected equally. Generally, we don’t expect to see fully developed artists enter the competition although they are more than welcome. We expect that some contestants will need a little more tweaking than others. We know that what we see in the September auditions is not what we will see by April. Everyone will grow as a performer but to what degree is always left to be seen and is always exciting to witness. Most of all, we hope that being around the many different styles of performer will help each contestant understand that all talent has value and winning the contest is not everything... participating is! Our personal experience with different cultural organizations has allowed us a window into a world of entertainers that the general public may not even know exists. We want these performers to know that they needn’t feel limited to those organizations. We appreciate that these community centres often play a very important part in nurturing the talents of immigrants and their families but there is an audience outside that would love to hear them sing, in whatever language they feel most comfortable with. Talent is meant to be shared after all. We believe that in a country like Canada, where multiculturalism is the government policy, interculturalism or the sharing of cultures, should be the way of life. Apply Online www.marlensilva.ca Email [email protected] Call (416) 833 1302 Conditions: 1. Promo Code* must be mentioned in order to receive gift. Friends/Family must also mention promo code & referral source. 2. Minimum mortgage amount of $350,000 AND a minimum 5 year term ( xed or variable) - for mortgagees less than $350,000, the promo amount will be reduced to $200.00; for any incentive amount, minimum $150,000 mortgage. Mortgage must fund by OCTOBER 1, 2023. 3. No cash gift - account details must be provided for debt payment or mortgage principal payment to be applied. Sherwood will send payment directly to lender. Gift cards will be mailed to client. 4. Not applicable on any existing mortgage applications. Must be a new application starting on the date email is sent. For complete promo details, please contact Marlen Silva directly. MARLEN SILVA, MORTGAGE AGENT BROKERAGE LIC, 12176 *PROMO CODE: 2021PROMO01 EXCLUSIVE OFFER BY MARLEN SILVA MORTGAGE ARCHITECTS NETWORK INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED $400 And then you PAY IT FORWARD by sending this great promo to all your family and friends! Once their mortgage funds, you will receive an ADDITIONAL $150 GIFT CARD OR CAN BE APPLIED TO YOUR LOAN Who says gifts are only for the holiday season? We disagree! Sherwood Mortgage Group is kicking o an exclusive event for our existing clients (new ones included) and friends. It’s our way of saying THANKS - we appreciate your support and feedback over the years and most importantly, we appreciate you trusting us with your home nancing needs. PAY IT FORWARD - it’s simple, really: Contact us for any NEW mortgage nancing needs - including purchase, re- nance, renewals, commercial units, etc. We provide you with some great rates and award winning service. (of course) When your mortgage funds, you receive a: MARLEN SILVA, SHERWOOD MORTGAGE GROUP PAY it FORWARD PROMOTION www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 27
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The Prizes 1st Place (Juvenile and Adult) Professionally recorded 8 song album produced by Anthony Wright at SCJS Studios • A professional video recording (1 song from album) • Flowers from Flower Fantasy 2nd Place (Juvenile and Adult) • A professional video recording (song recorded for the compilation album) • Flowers from Flower Fantasy All 10 Finalists receive: • a professional recording of 1 song each for a compilation album • a plaque of recognition or trophy from the SCJS • Certificate of Recognition from the government of Canada through MP Peter Fonseca • Certificate of Recognition from the Province of Ontario through MPP Rudy Cuzzetto • Certificate of Recognition from the City of Toronto through Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie & much more Note: prizes may be subject to change Work: 905-828-1122 Fax: 905-828-7925 Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. Brokerage www.slrealestate.ca 5055 Plantation Place Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 6J3 Cell: 416-880-2393 www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 29
Season 17 officially began with the 1st Audition & Orientation Event, held on Sunday, September 11. (Yay… no more Zoom auditions!) Potential contestants gathered in The Green Room @1130 Dupont while they waited for their turn to audition in SCJS Studios. Both venues are on the third floor of Casa do Alentejo Community Center. The turnout was great and so was the talent. The auditions were overseen by John & Lisa Santos, along with musician Patrick Albernaz. Successful contestants were scheduled to return to the studio to make their final choice of 1 fast song and 1 slow song which would be alternated throughout the season. Then, we decided on the keys that best suited their vocal range and tone. A second round of auditions was held on Wednesday, September 21st with additional auditions made by appointment. Each of our rounds was held in the Main Hall of Casa do Alentejo. The large stage helps the performers get used to commanding a stage, whether they like to move around as they perform or prefer to draw their audience in with a more intimate presentation. There were a total of 5 Qualifying Rounds from which our Semifinalists were chosen. There were several suspected cases of COVID throughout the season which limited some participation, most notably in the Juvenile category during the 2nd Outline of the Competition 30 The Singing Contest 2023 www.TheSingingContest.com
Visual Outline of the Qualifying Rounds Visual Outline of the Qualifying Rounds November 2nd Qualifying Round October 1st Qualifying Round December 3rd Qualifying Round Auditions 1st SemiÞnal 2nd SemiÞnal February 5th Qualifying Round January 4th Qualifying Round Grand Finale 2 Juvenile & 2 Adults move on to the semiÞnals each month Remaining contestants are divided into 2 groups 2 Juvenile & 2 Adults move on each month 2 Juvenile & 3 Adults move on 3 Juvenile & 2 Adults move on round. However, all in all, things were pretty much back to normal. Continuing with the format we have been using for the last few years, after each performance, the judges took turns commenting and giving constructive criticism to the performers. The contestants are prepared in advance to know that the judges are always doing their best to encourage and give useful advice. Because of this, it’s normal for a contestant to look forward to hearing from the judge. After 2 semifinal rounds, which allow the semifinalists the potential to sing each of their 2 songs, the 10 Finalists were chosen. The Season 17 Grand Finale will take place on Saturday, April 29 beginning at 8PM ET. You can watch it live to participate in the vote or view it after the fact on our YouTube channel TheSingingContest1. The results will be announced at a later date on our Facebook page The Singing Contest. Lastly, GOliveTV will also be broadcasting the show and they can now conveniently be found on ROKU TV! Facebook Youtube GOliveTV www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 31
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• Get enough rest each night. When you’re tired or stressed, the first thing to go is your voice. • Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. • Wash your hands often to prevent catching colds or the flu. • Use a humidifier in your home particularly during the winter months. • Always face the person you are talking to and move close enough to them so that that you won’t be tempted to raise your voice. Be careful of: • Clearing your throat vigorously • Yelling, cheering, screaming • Talking over the noise at parties, clubs, etc. • Grunting during strenuous exercise • Doing “sound effects” - funny voices, engine noises, very high or low pitched sounds, etc. • Over-using your voice when you have a cold or are tired • Spicy foods. They can lead to gastric reflux and the stomach acids in your throat can lead to hoarseness • The following items which have the tendency to “dry out” your throat: - caffeine - coffee, tea, colas, etc. - chocolate - alcohol - antihistamines - decongestants - diuretics - vitamin C, especially in large doses • Singing beyond what is a comfortable range or volume for you When your voice is failing: • Rest your voice along with the rest of your body • Do not whisper. Speak in a soft voice and only when you have to. • Keep your throat moisturized with frequent sips of water and/or mild lozenges • Gargle with warm salt water for a sore throat • Consult your doctor if you experience throat discomfort or hoarseness for more than fourteen days. Tips For Caring For Your Voice www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 33
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The 1st Qualifying Round October 19/22 The Contestants (L-R): Victoria Dimitrova, Muskaan Arora, Alexis Creighton, Gabriela Velasquez, Kirti Chugh, Morgan Forrest, Natasha Costa, Jonathan Bruneau, Amy Arora, Alana Hough, Ivy Velaidum, Angel Gwanda, Mónica Garcia, Nevein Orellana and Poshika Jayaram The Judges for the evening were (L-R) Patrick Albernaz, Anthony Wright, Nadia Dolce, Parm Sarai, Alex Andronache and Miguel Domingos. 36 The Singing Contest 2023 www.TheSingingContest.com
The 1st Qualifying Round While the evening’s votes, both online and on paper, were being tabulated, John welcomed a couple of performers to the stage. First up was Miguel Domingos, who, of course, was also a judge that evening. Miguel sang a classical ballad in Spanish which beautifully highlighted his powerful voice. Then Vanessa Casiero showed everyone why she won the Adult category in Season 10! She performed a song she sang in the contest followed by a song off the album she won. The 1st group of Semifinalists for Season 17 were, left to right, Adult Gabriela Velasquez, Juveniles Victoria Dimitrova & Amy Arora and Adult Nevein Orellana. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Gabriela withdrew at the end of January. www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 37
The 2nd Qualifying Round November 16/22 The Contestants (L-R): Oriana Chacón Galuè, Isabella Milano, Gabriel Gwanda, Nicky Lewis, Alicia Hamerton, Gwen Gillis, Chatelaine Leandr, Kisha Amoah, Christine David, Jacob Nagy, Arielle Kowdrysh, Alishay Khawaja, Namrita Selvaraj, Kylie Winnicki, Derek Malone, Abhay Masih, Shek Khindo, Mark Anthony Urdaneta. Missing from photo - Alicia Noel. The Judges for the 2nd round were (L-R) Anthony Wright, James Nickle, Alex Andronache, Miguel Domingos, Patrick Albernaz and Henrik Cipriano. 38 The Singing Contest 2023 www.TheSingingContest.com
The 2nd Qualifying Round During the break, 1st place Adult winner of Season 14, Cassie Acevedo sang 2 songs from the album she won. Once the votes were tallied, Lisa & John returned to the stage to announce the night’s winners. Due the number of Juvenile contestants not feeling well enough to participate in the 2nd round, the Juvenile contestants originally scheduled for this round were moved to the 3rd round. The next 2 Adult contestants voted into the Semifinals were Abhay Masih and Oriana Chacón Galuè. www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 39
The 3rd Qualifying Round December 14/22 The Contestants (L-R): Lisa Repac, Luna Wong, Justin Gonzalez, Vinny Wen, James Blacktop, Catherine Tiongson, Arielle Kowdrysh, Ella Li, Sia Kim Kuo, Emilia Savchak, Anna Muir, Chloe Tiongson, Bhavneet Kaur and Noa Golan. Missing from photo - Nicolas Manlapaz. The Judges for the 3rd round were (L-R) Alex Andronache, Summer Saiegh, Chantal Preston, Henrik Cipriano, Marisa Oliveira and James Nickle. 40 The Singing Contest 2023 www.TheSingingContest.com
The 3rd Qualifying Round The winners of the 3rd round, Adults Noa Golan & James Blacktop and Juveniles Nicolas Manlapaz & Chloe Tiongson, were joined by Jonathon and Alana as the next group of contestants heading into the Semifinals of Season 17! During the 1st Round, there were some technical difficulties which had the potential to influence the online vote, including the fact that contestant Jonathon Bruneau’s performance did not make it onto the live stream. Once we realized what had happened, we reviewed the results of the votes and made the decision to move 2 additional contestants to the Semis. Both contestants returned to the stage at the 3rd round to perform their 1st round songs during the break and to be officially recognized as Semifinalists. Above, is Adult Jonathon Bruneau. In the Juvenile category, Alana Hough, above, was also added to the list of Semifinalists. Jonathon and Alana learned that they had also earned spots into the Semis the day after the 1st round was held. www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 41
The 4th Qualifying Round January 18/23 The Contestants (L-R): Kirti Chugh, Muskaan Arora, Christine David, Poshika Jayaram, Chatelaine Leandr, Nicky Lewis, Isabella Milano, Rachel Lamsee, Shek Khindo, Catherine Tiongson, Alicia Hamerton, Natasha Costa, Kylie Winnicki. Missing from photo - Namrita Selvaraj The Judges for the 4th round were (L-R) Anthony Wright, Patrick Albernaz, Parm Sarai, James Nickle, Marisa Oliveira and Alex Andronache. 42 The Singing Contest 2023 www.TheSingingContest.com
The 4th Qualifying Round As has been the custom for several years now, at the end of every performance, one of the judges takes a turn at sharing their overall impression of the performance. Constructive criticism and any advice for improving their next performance is always appreciated by the contestants. In the Juvenile category, all 3 contestants moved on to the Semis! L-R, Rachel Lamsee, Catherine Tiongson and Poshika Jayaram Isabella Milano, Muskaan Arora and Christine David were chosen to become the next Adult semifinalists for Season 17! www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 43
The 5th Qualifying Round February 8/23 The Contestants (L-R): Alexis Creighton, Justin Gonzalez, Derek Malone, Alishay Khawaja, Ella Li, Jacob Nagy, Vinny Wen, Sia Kim Kuo, Natasha Costa, Alicia Hamerton, Namrita Selvaraj and Mónica Garcia. Missing from photo - Kylie Winnicki and Mark Anthony Urdaneta, The Judges for the 5th round were (L-R) Alex Andronache, Trevor Shelton, Inah Canlapan, Mike Sleath, Patrick Albernaz and Miguel Domingos. 44 The Singing Contest 2023 www.TheSingingContest.com
The 5th Qualifying Round Both contestants in the Juvenile category moved on to the Semifinals! Ella Li and Vinny Wen both performed wonderfully! Taking the remaining 2 spots in the Season 17 Semifinals were Adults Jacob Nagy and Namrita Selvaraj. www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 45
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Whether you’re looking for traditional Portuguese cuisine or ne dining, Churrasqueira Martins offers a wide variety of meat, sh and seafood dishes all with a traditional Portuguese in uence. Last but not least, Churrasqueira Martins has a succulent Barbeque Chicken made on charcoal and topped with the unique and famous Martin’s BBQ Sauce. We also provide a wide variety of take-out dishes. 605 ROGERS RD. UNIT#1, TORONTO (416) 657-4343 Eat in - Take Out churrasqueiramartins.com Second location - Take-out 2700 ST. CLAIR AVE. UNIT#1, TORONTO (647) 358-9696 www.TheSingingContest.com The Singing Contest 2023 47
48 The Singing Contest 2023 www.TheSingingContest.com