R Beach Results 12/10/09
These are the contestants with the top scores in their respective catagories from last night. I stated that I would not post standings but in all fairness I felt I am as good a judge as any and I would go ahead and post the placements.
Not all the contestants sang to be judged, some sang just to come out and support the others, (and I applaud you!)
Mens’ 50+ category
1st Place
Gary Coole
2nd Place
Francis Gordon (Gordy)
3rd Place
John Romaine (The Lettuce Man)
Women’s 50+
1st Place
Stoni Harlow
2nd Place
Jane Williams
3rd Place
Lynne Short
Men’s Country
1st Place
Ralph Wilfong
Men’s Pop
1st Place
Tommy Coole
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Last night was a bit different due to the lack of regular judges we normally have each week. So instead of calling the night just a practice night Diana had the foresight to be a fair and impartial judge and go one step further. In the past we have all looked to Diana’s blog for results of the previous performance and when she took ill Harold stepped in to keep us up to date on her condition. Thankfully there was a week off from the contest while Diana was recovering so no one missed out on any scoring. And then once she recovered she immediately came back to the contest and went beyond what others might have expected by judging the contest herself and then offering to write each and every performer with a critique of their performance that evening. I don’t know about others but I received my email this morning when I got up around 8 AM. I saw the time the email was sent out … 1:44 AM. I was shocked to say the least that this woman who already spends a lot of her time with this contest go the extra mile and stay up in the wee hours of the morning to keep to her word and send out critiques.
When I received my critique I read it carefully and with an open mind. I did not try to read between the lines and look for any innuendos or try to find something to complain about in a defensive response. Diana covered all the different points that are considered during the finals and gave suggestions that will help me in my performance. Any comments that would be considered “negative” were offered in a positive manner to help me learn. In the past all we got were 1st through 3rd place results. Her initiative to once again go that extra mile was admirable and very helpful to me and I hope the other singers feel the same. I doubt that anyone else running the Talent Quest contest at other venues doesn’t go to the effort to keep their contestants that happy that our hosts do.
Despite the kidding we give him, Harold also needs to be applauded for his efforts as well. Okay, so his fingers are a little bit too large to easily use the remote control for the player … but he does what any KJ is supposed to do and that is to keep the music going, keep the mood upbeat and keep the rotation moving along smoothly. If you haven’t already noticed, Harold only takes a break between the warm-up round and the performance round and the occasional “necessary” break for nature. I have been to other contests where the KJ takes so many breaks that with the amount of singers we have we would not have enough time during the evening to do more than one song. I also find it pleasing to see Harold take a “mini break” once in awhile so that he can sneak in a dance with Alice. Alice always has a smile on her face yet rarely gets much notice or praise. She makes sure everyone is signed in, keeps the song discs in order (making Harold’s job easier), and does it all without any expectations. I think she needs a standing ovation as well!
In closing I would like to offer once last thought and comment. It has been said we are ALL winners and that is true. And it is true because we have people like Diana, Harold and Alice who go that extra mile to make us all feel like stars for the evening. Let’s return that feeling by letting them know we all appreciate their efforts and if they ever create a category for “Best Host” I know there will be a three way tie.
Gary Coole - December 11, 2009 at 3:29 pm |
Hi Gary,
This does not happen to me often but I am speechless! You brought me to tears, good tears. I think I can speak for Harold and Alice when I say we enjoy providing karaoke for everyone. The best part is we are not just providing a service but we are making dear friends, and I do mean dear friends. I have lived all over the world and have some great friends but never like I have made here. I hate to get mushy but is that not what life is all about?
Not to get preachy but why can’t love flow from everyone instead of hate and jealously?! Why are some so willing to cast horrible stories and rumors on others and not look at themselves? Why is the human heart on some so willing to spurt mud instead of blood?
I have special feelings for everyone I see at our karaoke venues after they return for the second time, and those feelings grow. I know I have not gotten to know everyone as well as I would like, but I am making an attempt. I hope you all know you can come to me anytime and ask a question or just talk to me. I don’t bite, well not hard anyway!
Thank you so much Gary and a big thank you to your son Tommy also. You both bring an iatrical part to our karaoke. We enjoy seeing Mary time to time. We know she can’t always be with us but it is a joy when she is.
Take care and good luck to you and Tommy as you both progress in the contest.
Diana
Diana - December 11, 2009 at 6:41 pm |
I cannot believe I came in third place but thank you so much. I love karaoke! We had such a wonderful time and would really love your critique of my singing. Also, left you a phone message in case your email gets returned, which it shouldn’t.
Lynne Short - December 12, 2009 at 5:45 pm |
Good job Lynne! I did send your critique onto your email address, I hope it helps. Please make sure you read all the helpful hints on my blog, they will help you become a better singer.
Diana
Diana - December 12, 2009 at 6:40 pm |