Saugeen District Secondary School held its 5th and last Royal Idol talent competition on Thursday, January 17th, when nine vocalists took to the stage.
For anyone who doubts the value of music in the education system, one only has to attend a show like this and hear the incredible talent coming out of the schools.
This year’s theme was ‘Tributes and Legends’, that included songs by performers who were famous before the students singing their songs were even born. The performances ranged from Frank Sinatra to Elvis, Whitney Houston to Queen Latifah and Pink Floyd with the singers displaying, not only talent, but professionalism.
Also, for the first time in the Royal Idol history since 2015, an exchange student performed. Ainoa Rodriguez Dopazo (Gr. 11) on exchange from Spain performed ‘Zombie, by The Cranberries.
Judges, Matt Smith, Margaret Wysman and Kevin Darlington (a.k.a. De-luscious), had a difficult time choosing a winner from the contestants but, in the end, Grade 9 student Lauren Gilbert with her unforgettable rendition of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’, was declared the winner.
In second place, was Grade 11 student Cydney Morris singing Jealous by Labrinth and in third was Grade 12 student Sasha Morano who also performed a Whitney Houston song, ‘I Have Nothing’.
While the judges were out making their decision on the 2019 winners, the 2017 Royal Idol Gracienne Swarbrick performed ‘RESPECT’ and 2018 Idol Amelia Wilson performed Pink’s ‘Wild Hearts Can’t be Broken’.
Organizer, music teacher Kerri Lynn Boys, has brought music in the high school to a new level, both instrumental and vocal. The Royal Idol competition is a part of the SDSS vocal class culminating project. “Along with the final performance exam, the students had to put together a successful performance, going through all the required steps,” said Boys. “From being a contestant, to being on the audition committee, to set-up and sound, everyone had a role.”
Performers:
Kyra Brough
Ainoa Rodriguez Dopazo
Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams
Zombie by the Cranberries
Noah Aasman Come Fly with Me by Frank Sinatra
Lauren Gilbert I Will Always Love You by WhitneyHouston
Ayden Young Teddy Bear by Elvis Presley
Mason Windross Wish you Were Here by Pink Floyd
Sasha Morano I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston
Cydney Morris Jealous by Labrinth
Jadzia Leask Big, Blonde & Beautiful by Queen Latifah