PUT TWO HORSES TOGETHER AND THERE IS BOUND TO BE A HORSE RACE.
BY Johnny Stewart

Horse racing is simple. The fastest horse wins. That's it. It is very obvious who came in second, third and fourth.

We don't judge a horse on how well it runs or what song it is humming as it runs along.

With singers it's different. It is very difficult to compare singers. There are as many opinions as there are singers. Hey, who is a better singer: Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, Ricky Martin or your favorite? Probably your favorite.

You be the judge. Let's say you are judging a contest, the rules are: Ten points for how well the singer sings, ten points for stage presence and ten points for audience response. Thirty points possible.

The first singer sings, Celine Dion gets a ten for singing, a ten for stage presence and a ten for audience response. Celine was great 30 points. Now Ricky Martin gets up to sing, you give him an eight for singing. You think Celine is a better vocalist. The trouble is Ricky brought all his friends with him. He is dancing and shaking his hips, his friends go wild, and so does everyone else in the room. You already gave Celine a ten for singing, stage presence and audience response that's the most you can give anyone, 30 points. Ricky got a much better response from the crowd. In fact, security is still trying to clear the isles. Plus, Ricky was all over the stage. He even jumped down off the stage. He was everywhere.

Now you look at your score you gave Ricky 28 points. You know that two thirds of the contest was stage presence and audience response. What do you do now. This can't be fair!

You can say, "the points should be figured differently." If it is your contest you can figure the points any way you want. If everyone understands this, then it is fair.

Let's say you have your own singing contest. No extra points for smiling and kicking your feet. You don't want to consider the audience opinion, they aren't qualified to judge anyway. Besides, one contestant can bring more friends and win. And what is stage presence anyway? I can see that the contestant is present, there he is... present on stage. Each vocalist is judged on his/her ability to sing only.

You can give points for these categories: 5 points for pitch; 5 points for phrasing; 5 points for voice quality; 5 points for diction, points for individuality of style and 5 points for dynamics. Great idea! Now we have a fair singing contest. Maybe. Some judges may not like country music though, and think the diction was not up to par anyway.

However for the most part this contest seems more fair.

Most singers like to show off their skill with ballads. Ballads are tougher to sing.

Your contest starts. The audience is made up of singers and drinkers. The club makes money on drinkers. No Money no contest. The singers are not drinking. They don't want drinking to affect their ability to sing.

By the end of the fourth song the drinkers are starting to fidget in there seats. They don't know much about singing anyway. They only came because their singing friend asked them to come, or they happened to be there anyway or they came for a show. But after four ballads where is the show? Let's go somewhere we can dance and meet someone interesting.

By the end of the night there are thirty singers drinking water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and asking for refills. The non singers left two hours ago. The club owner is drinking a lot though. Better not talk to him right now. He is wondering where he is going to get the money to award the winner.

I have never liked contests. I felt it was the best way to take away the party atmosphere. And a good way to create animosity between my favorite karaoke enthusiasts. How do you compare apples and oranges? I like both apples and oranges.

Many contestants have stopped going to a club after loosing a contest they thought they should have won.

I am currently hosting the Viejas "Best Of The Best Contest." Viejas is giving away $250 per night and $2000 at the grand finals.

The scoring at Viejas is weighted heavily on audience appeal and stage presence. They have a large room and feel, if they give a good show, people will come in to watch it. Also Viejas attracts music industry people looking for talent. These people are looking for entertainers not just singers.

I took the job because it paid well. And since I was not a judge, no one would be angry at me. And I was not running the risk of loosing my loyal local karaoke crowd from my regular show. And besides Viejas is known for gambling anyway.

So far two finalists have won a lot of money and have signed recording contracts. Two other non winners have also been picked up by record companies.

A few non winners have gone away disappointed. But they should realize four new winners will be picked every preliminary contest. So if they keep coming back, all of the prior winners will be disqualified to return until the finals. Chances are, if they sing well they still eventually have a opportunity to win money and be part of the big show (the finals.) This contest is running until July 5, 2000.

Remember this is supposed to be fun! I believe contestants should review why they go to contests in the first place.

I have asked contestants if they were there because of the money. Not many responded yes. Maybe it's not the money but I think winning is important to a lot of people though.

Here is why I think contestants should come:
First of all it is a great show. Every singer who gets up on stage has prepared his/her presentation. They are giving the best performance they can give. The audience is made up of other talented people who share the same love for music. The room is a Las Vegas type show room right here in San Diego. Where else can you jump up on a Las Vegas type stage with two professional sound men, two lighting techs, a video man and the best sound and lighting system south of Las Vegas.

I you want your friends and family to hear you sing your best you should bring them to Viejas. You will look and sound better than ever. And while your friends are waiting for you to sing, they will enjoy other very talented entertainers. I think everyone who gets up on this fantastic stage wins just for getting up there.