Amateur Singing Contest

4th qualifying round took place this Wednesday, January 27

On Wednesday Jan. 27, friends and family gathered at Casa das Beiras to show their support for the remaining contestants for the fourth edition of the Amateur Singing Contest with John Santos.
    The sole contestants from the juvenile category both sealed an automatic spot for the semi-finals next month. 12 contestants from the adult category sang their hearts out to impress judges and the public to seal one of two spots in the semi-finals as well.
12-year-old Jonathan Garcia from the juvenile group wowed judges and guests by singing and dancing to Footloose by Kenny Loggins. This is Garcias first year participating in the contest. He was encouraged to join by John Santos who saw the talent in him.
Garcia who has been singing since he was three said his favourite part of the contest has been the chance to make new friends. He also feels the contest will give him a chance to promote him self and he has hopes of sealing a spot in the finals which will take place in April. Garcia has taken part in other singing contests.
“I’ve taken part in a karaoke contest. There, I made it to second place and won my self $300,” Garcia said. “It felt really good to win.”
Like Garcia, Rita Francis has also been singing since she was three and is hopeful in having a spot in the finals. The 20 year old sang her heart out to Oiça Lá Ó Senhor Vinho by Amalia Rodrigues. Garcia will move to the next round after being voted to move on by judges and the public.
The 20 year old has described her experience with the contest as amazing.
“This experience has taught me many important things. I’ve learned about stage presence, breathing techniques and even how to sing,” Francis said. “I’ve had voice lessons which have helped me come a long way.”
Francis has been part of the contest before making it straight to the finals. There, she finished in third place. She described this experience as exciting giving her courage and strength to come back for another try.
Her most memorable moment was when she made it to the finals last year. She said all the contestants back stage held hands and encouraged each other to have faith in their talent.
“Everyone put the competition aspect of this behind. While the 10 finalists were upstairs waiting to be called down or waiting for the results we always cheered each other on,” Francis said. “People think that when we are back stage we are bitter towards one another but we’re not.”
Kelly Moniz was the second contestant to seal a spot in the next round freeing her from a possible elimination. Moniz sang to Our Song by Taylor Swift.
The next round of eliminations will take place on Feb. 24 at Benfica House of Toronto. The two rounds for the semi-finals will be held at Casa da Madeira on March 6 and 13. The finals will also be held at Casa da Madeira on April 17.

Notícia em português e foto reportagem em breve 

Paula Cristina Henriques