Winner of the college division, Martina Green, thanked her supporters, family and friends after votes came in naming her the 2012 NOVA Idol. Photo by Traci J. Brooks

An emotional Joao Versos, from Potomac Falls High School, reacts to the news that he won the High School Division of NOVA Idol 2012. Photo by Traci J. Brooks

By Sofia Bergstrom

Staff Reporter

“American Idol wishes it had this kind of talent.”

Those were the exact words of Tony Perkins, TV-personality at Fox 5 News and celebrity judge during this year’s NOVA Idol final at Schlesinger Hall on March 23. A final which was once again a great success with outstanding performances by talented students.

After eight weeks of tough vocal training by vocal coach Juanita Williams, 10 talented Northern Virginia Community College students, picked from 250 auditions, were ready to showcase their musical talents at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center on the college’s Alexandria campus. Campus provost Dr. Peter Maphumulo welcomed the audience and promised that the contestants would “knock their socks off.”

Javad Jarrahi kicked off the collegiate competition and set the bar high for the following contestants with his interpretation of Stevie Wonders “Isn’t she lovely?,” which judge Kenji Brown called a “slam dunk,” referring to his soothing voice and comical dance moves. And the judges did not put any restraint on their praise when commenting on the performances that were to come.

“You nailed it. I got cold chills all over my arms,” said judge Winfield Parker, renowned saxophonist, to second performer Elaine Lopez after she finished singing her version of Christina Aguilera’s “The Voice Within.” Perkins agreed: “That was flawless. Absolutely remarkable.”

Dr. Brenda Lewis-Holmes, Managing Director of NOVA Idol and Assistant Dean of Communication Studies and Theatre at Alexandria, welcomes the crowd to the performance at the beginning of the evening. Photo by Traci J. Brooks

On a similar note, Donevian Snipes’ energetic performance, both vocally and choreography wise, carrying out Chris Brown’s “Try a little tenderness,” impressed all the judges and made Perkins burst out: “American Idol wishes it had this kind of talent!”

In addition, Snipes’ energy on stage spread among the audience like a contagious virus causing people to smile, cheer, whistle and dance like there was no tomorrow.

Had competed before

Many of the contestants were no strangers to NOVA Idol and had competed in the final competition several times before. One of the contestants who was back to seek revenge was Martina Green who, when she entering the stage dressed in a dreamlike cream-colored dress, raised the decibel level in the venue significantly as family and friends cheered her on.

The high volume in the venue continued throughout the entire performance as she nailed one high pitch after the other. Besides stunning the audience with her wide vocal range, she blew away the judges who ended up giving her standing ovations when she sang to the last tones to the powerful ballad “Home” by Stephanie Mills.

Jonah Fishel from Potomac Falls High School performs "I Wish I Knew How" by The Derek Trucks Band at the 2012 NOVA Idol finals. Jonah finished 2nd in the High School section of the competition. Photo by Kama Storie

In addition to receiving standing ovations, judges Brown and Perkins made some

overwhelming statements. The former asked if she wanted to sign a recording contract, while the latter made a prediction that he would see Green at the Grammy Awards in the future.

After an intermission filled with acts including hip hop artists, rappers and Balinese traditional dancing, the emcees Greg Schuckman and Caitlin C. Uze, last year’s Miss Virginia, came up on stage to reveal the results. Results that, just like previous years, took both the judges’ and audience members’ votes into account.

The judges, which consisted of Perkins, Parker, Brown, Colie Williams and Lucy Holsonbake, based their decisions on song selection, vocal consistency, pronunciation, presentation and interpretation.

Green was announced the winner of the college division, followed by first runner up Snipes, and third place winner Kelley Kime. Joao Versos from Potomac Falls High School earned the title of winner of the high school competition.

Competition gets better every year

Green, who can now proudly call herself winner of NOVA Idol 2012, was glowing backstage when the final was over.

“This feels amazing,” she said while being surrounded by family members and friends who hugged and complemented her. “I could not really believe it,” answered Green when she was asked what went through her mind when she realized that she had won. “I had some really strong competition by the other contestants. They all have true talent.”

“She is truly amazing, supertalented and just incredible,” said Perkins of Green. Even though he was an experienced NOVA Idol judge, he admitted that it was tough to judge this year’s final. “There were four contestants that were very close. It could have gone either way.”

“There is no doubt in my mind when I say that these four contestants were better than the line-up in American Idol,” added Perkins.

Students and director pleased

Not only were the judges impressed with this year’s contestants. When exiting Schlesinger Hall, many audience members were talking loudly about the talent they had seen throughout the evening.

“They all had great voices,” remarked Tiffany Pantow, a NOVA student at the Alexandria campus.

Elaine Lopez performs "The Voice Within" by Christina Aguilera in the college division performance round. Photo by Traci J. Brooks

Her friend Thais Ceramori agreed and added that she saw star quality in most of tonight’s contestants. “They are all going to be big some day,” she said with great confidence.

“I am really proud of our students. They are truly jewels,” said Dr. Brenda Lewis-Holmes, who has been the director of NOVA Idol since its founding in 2004. She also revealed that there are plans of expanding the event next year to collaborate with George Mason University, as well as booking more intermission entertainment to show off other talents that students have.

“This event is not only about music, it’s about unity and bringing students from all the campuses together,” she said. “American Idol got nothing on us.”

In other words, you do not have to turn on your television in order to experience exceptional singers of star quality. There is a new event for that: NOVA Idol.

Javad Jarrahi sings "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder in the 2012 NOVA Idol competition. Photo by Kama Storie

The panel of judges, ranging from musicians, producers and professors, gave feedback on the performers' song choices, stage presence and interpretation of their songs. Photo by Traci J. Brooks

College division performer Erika Anderson sings "Momma Knows Best" by Jessie J for the crowd. photo by Traci J. Brooks

Gregory McBride-Bey sings "We're Not Making Love" by Dru Hill at the 2012 NOVA Idol finals. Photo by Kama Storie

Jeff Young performs "Better Than I Know Myself" by Adam Lambert in the college division of NOVA Idol. Photo by Traci J. Brooks

The first place winner of the 2012 NOVA Idol competition, Martina Green, sings "Home" by Stephanie Mills. Photo by Kama Storie

Martina Green sings "Home by Stephanie Mills at the 2012 NOVA Idol finals, winning first place in this year's competition. Photo by Kama Storie

Kelley Kime sings "At Last" by Etta James at the 2012 NOVA Idol finals. Kelley took third place in this year's competition. Photo by Kama Storie

Daran Lopez-Villanueva sings "The Impossible Dream" by Brian Stokes Michaels at the 2012 NOVA Idol finals. Photo by Kama Storie

Lydia Mockabee sings "Giving Up is Hard to Do" by Jennifer Holiday at the 2012 NOVA Idol finals. Photo by Kama Storie

By: Contributing Author

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