Jasmine Williams sings It's a Man's World by James Brown

NOVA Idol 2011, the singing contest held annually by Northern Virginia Community College, was marked by a concert of great singers performing for five judges, including Tony Perkins from Good Morning America, and a venue packed with family, friends and other guests of the performers. In fact, the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center on the college’s Alexandria campus was so full on March 25 that, according to Meredith Aquila, secretary of NOVA Idol Planning Committee, people were turned away at the door. The center’s marketing manager, Linda Vitello, said the auditorium’s capacity is 991.

The talent displayed on stage filled the evening with melodic high notes and tuneful pitches. There was a bountiful bumper crop of brightly shining stars performing that night, some of whom were already gaining traction on their own. Several contestants have songs out or are working on albums.

Lauren McLeod from Loudoun campus is releasing her first album this summer, along with some iTunes releases.

Laura Manzer, also from Loudoun, has songs out on iTunes and has sung “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a NASCAR race.

An exclamation of: “Fabulous! A great way to start off the night,” from Perkins regarding McLeod’s performance commenced the college judging for the evening, and though for the most part she received great reviews, a few of the judges were more critical of her performance.

The next performer was Manzer. When it was announced at the end of her performance that the show was sold out, she cried out, “Where’s Mama?” to the charmed crowd and judges. Upon the completion of her song “Broken Wings” by Martina McBride, Judge Dr. Robert Petrella declared, “Next stop Nashville. There’s something that I call the goose-bump factor, and you gave me goose-bumps.”

Perkins called Manzer, “the best voice of the night so far,” with five singers down and eight to go.

“The delivery was splendid,” stated Judge Kenji Brown of Martina Green’s performance of “I’m Here” by Fantasia. Perkins agreed, “You owned that song. It meant something.”

Of Elaine Lopez’s performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing,” Brown said, “The fidelity of your voice is amazing.”

Petrella called Jasmine Williams’ rendition of “It’s a Man’s World” by James Brown “a soulful performance.” Perkins added: “A 19-year-old girl singing that song — brilliant.”

The winners for the college portion of NOVA Idol included Elaine Lopez with third place, Martina Green with second place and Jasmine Williams with first place. Despite a stellar performance by the winner, that first-place title isn’t held without some controversy.

Juanita Williams, vocal coach for NOVA Idol for two years running, is mother to this year’s college winner, Jasmine Williams, as well as the high school winner from NOVA Idol 2010, Ashley Williams.

Terri LaGoe, a contestant for NOVA Idol in 2010 and a NOVA student who has been involved within the vocal section of the music department at NOVA since 1977, said, “I find it a little disturbing that [Juanita Williams’] family members keep winning. There may be an advantage there…There’s a potential for a conflict of interest.” She went on to say, however, “I have to say that the daughter that won last year performed well.”

CJ Marble of Freedom High School sings Because I Love You by Lenny Williams and eventually goes on to win the title of High School NOVA Idol 2011. / Photo by: Momin Haq

“It doesn’t surprise me that they won. They were incredible performers,” said Dorothea Kamara, an audience member for this year’s NOVA Idol and music major at NOVA, referring to Juanita Williams’ daughters. “I can understand why some people would think it is a conflict of interest.”

When asked if there was a conflict of interest regarding Williams’ daughters, Brenda Lewis-Holmes, Assistant Dean for Communication Studies and Theater and Executive Director of NOVA Idol, said, “Not really. [Williams] explains up front if her daughters are in the competition. If her daughters are in the competition, then she won’t judge auditions.” However, she went on to say that once Williams’ daughters are in the competition, “This lady cracks the whip on everybody, but she rehearses her daughters less [than everyone else].”

This explanation from Lewis-Holmes doesn’t take into account the fact that as their mother, Williams will have more access to her daughters outside rehearsal, and the idea that there may be some loyalty among the judges. The night of the event, Williams was hugged warmly by one of the judges and wished good luck numerous times. The whole atmosphere was one of camaraderie and family. In this kind of atmosphere, can truly unbiased judging take place?

Kelley Kime sings Steal Away by Etta James. / Photo by: Momin Haq

According to Lewis-Holmes, the winners were chosen based on four criteria. The first was song selection: did it suit the singer’s voice range and singing capability? The second was vocal consistency, which included quality, pitch, breath control and intonation. The third was presentational dynamics, which encompassed stage presence and likeability. Finally, there was interpretation, which was the mood and feeling of the piece performed.

When asked how much weight was given to the judges votes, Lewis-Holmes asserted, “The judges have 50 percent of the weight, and the audience has 50 percent.”

With so much of the weight depending on the audience votes, vocal student Debbie Peetz expressed her belief that the show becomes a popularity contest.

The high school finalists placed thus: fourth place went to Padideh Guodarzi, third place was awarded to Joao Versos, Devyn Metz received second place and first place went to CJ Marble.

Judge Lucy Holsonbake actually called out Marble for being “pitchy,” meaning that he didn’t hit some of the notes correctly, and Judge Petrella criticized him for tone difficulties. However, he was praised highly all around for stage presence.

When asked how many people Marble brought to the performance, he replied, “My immediate family, friends and church family.” He said his church family amounts to approximately 200 people. “I’m pretty sure all of them are here,” said Marble.

So, when someone brings 200 people to a competition that partially relies on audience votes, one must ask, is it a talent competition or more of a popularity contest?

Though the evening was most certainly entertaining, and talent abounded, there is a question of the fairness of such a competition.

“Keeping the contest fair is a high priority. We want to see the professionals honored,” said Aquila.

According to Mimi Carter, stage manager for NOVA Idol, there is an idea circulating to make the voting available to those watching the performance online, which may help to make the voting more balanced. Aquila remarked, “I think the internet voting needs to be considered.”

The question remains, however, is this competition fair? Should family members of employees or contractors of NOVA Idol be allowed to compete? Tell us what you think at NOVAfortnightly.com.

Laura Manzer/Photo by: Kama Storie

Erika Anderson competes in the 2011 NOVA Idol competition backed by dancers and The Texas Chainsaw Horns./Photo by: Kama Storie

By: Ashley Strobridge

Stay updated by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.