TALENT QUEST REGIONALS A GREAT SUCCESS

The 2003 TALENT QUEST NATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND SINGING CONTEST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONALS were held at the Sycuan Casino and Resort in August. The venue was everything and more than what contestants expected. A few of the male contestants viewing the facilities were overcome with awe and decided to cancel out, but that did not discourage the more than 90 other contestants who rose to the occasion and performed to the standards we expected. Amazingly, the Los Angeles contingent was more than what we had expected and we commend them for that. Many contestants showed up with full costumes, makeup helpers, hairdressers and more. The word must have gotten out before hand about this because San Diegans showed up in force. Some of the audience had made up signs of good wishes for their favorites singers.

In order to maximize the maximum participation in each category, we decided to produce this event in a two-day format. This allowed more contestants to qualify and perform at this outstanding venue. This proved to be the winning combination, not only for the contestants but also for the audience as both shows were completed within the four-hour window to the amazement of the audience.

Sunday, August 10th
Country/Western category

Judges such as Deb Spring of KSON, Dupree of Rare Blend, Joseph Medawar, movie producer of Sleep Walker, producer Stephen F. Owens, actor Timothy P. Cavanaugh and the 2001-2003 nationally acclaimed judges, Mark and Linda Crossman, took their positions to choose the best of the best. This proved to be a very difficult situation as many were worthy and then audience took pens in hand to choose their favorite STEEPLE DISTRIBUTIONS, INC. "People's Choice".

Congratulations to the Country/Western category winners who will advance to the Nationals:

Female Winner - Samantha Callahan, Ramona, CA
Female Alternate - Emmeline Mina, Chula Vista, CA

Male Winner - Gregg Grimaldo, Jamul, CA
Male Alternate - Robert Esslinger, Simi Valley, CA

STEEPLE DISTRIBUTIONS, INC. "PEOPLE'S CHOICE" WINNERS

Female People's Choice - Michelle Grimaldo, Jamul, CA
Female Alternate - Erin Nelson, La Mesa, CA

Male People's Choice - Gavin Oliver, Spring Valley, CA
Male Alternate - Bobby Hurst, Santa Clarita, CA

Sunday, August 17th
Rock, Pop, R & B, Soul and Easy Listening

This was a very stressful day for us as it was pretty much called the "Open Category". We didn't know if Elvis was going to make an appearance, Ricky Martin, Elton John or Frank Sinatra. As the contestants checked in, we knew they were here. The night was wonderful and exciting with expectation as the week before. People lined up to purchase their tickets hoping to get a glimpse of the 2001 National Karaoke winner, Marko among other celebrity judges such as Mikey Jay from Karaoke Live TV, who agreed to film the national finalists at The Greek Sombrero on September 4, 2003, and an upcoming star of tomorrow, Kalena and the nationally renounced Rick Fox. It was Hollywood at it's most at Sycuan Casino and Resort and was a moment of a lifetime for many.

Congratulations to the Rock, Pop, R & B, Soul and Easy Listening category winners who will advance to Nationals:

Female Winner - Jacqueline Escalante, El Cajon, CA
Female Alternate - Aysha Webb, Canoga Park, CA

Male Winner - Joe P. Gallegos, Vista, CA
Male Alternate - Adam Ellis, Chula Vista, CA

STEEPLE DISTRIBUTIONS, INC. "PEOPLE'S CHOICE" WINNERS

Female People's Choice - Elaine Dowdle, San Diego, CA
Female Alternate - April Miller, El Cajon, CA

Male People's Choice - Mark Hammond, Spring Valley, CA
Male Alternate - Robert Babauta, La Mesa, CA

The winners and alternates received a four-pack of CDG's of Top Hits Monthly and the "Judged winners" also received portable karaoke machine from Just Sing it Karaoke. STEEPLE DISTRIBUTIONS, INC., provided the winners with their entrance fee and hotel accommodations at the Ramada Express Hotel and Casino where the 2003 National Talent Quest Singing and Performance contest are being held.

The most important winner (Thanks to all of you) will be the east county high schools, as the net portion of ticket sales will go to benefit them. A total will be announced as soon as we get it from Sycuan Casino & Resort.

Thank you contestants for your great performances, Steele Distributions, Inc. for sponsoring the winners to the finals, the judges who has the most difficult job, everyone behind the scenes and Sycuan Casino and Resort for the wonderful venue.

Louie Castellanos
Just Sing It Karaoke
www.justsingitkaraoke.com

info: johnny@sandiegoscene.com
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