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November 30, 2007
The 4th annual Saba Idol competition, which is held yearly at Scout's Place for 10 weeks from September to November was again a great success. In front of a full house Dieter a medical student at Saba medical School, Claire a well-known local performer, TJ from Friesland in Holland and Bethany Pedigo of the USA and a spouse of a medical student were fighting hard in the last round of the finals on November 16, 2007.
Belting out "I will survive," Bethany Pedigo - became the first female vocalist to win Scout's Place annual "Saba Idol Karaoke" contest.
The full house was on its toes as a tie between Bethany and T. J. Abma led both of them back to the microphone after their obligatory two songs. Scout's owner and Karaoke DJ Wolfgang Tooten told the audience, "There can be only one winner."
Bethany, has regularly participated in Karaoke for the last two years, has serenaded at senior citizens events with her guitar, and is known for her strong vocal sty lings. T.J., who is Scout's Place Chef, is new to the scene, but proved to be the most dynamic performer of the evening, often moving off the stage into the audience. He was particularly strong in, "New York, New York."
Coming in third was first semester med student Dieter Bowar who was also very at home at the mike. In fourth place, Saban Claire Johnson, in an attractive black sheath that set off her figure, is also no stranger to the vocal contests, as she is a regular Calypso participant. Her voice was shown off to great advantage in her choice of "Country Roads take me home."
All four final contestants had to sing two songs, which they had not sung before during the semi finals.
All contestants received certificates of participation. Sponsors awarded airline tickets, ferry tickets, hotel stays, and restaurant vouchers. First prize included a cash award. The sponsors for this year: Netco/Carib Beer, The Holland House Beach Hotel on SXM, Azure Guesthouse in Simpson Bay SXM, Johnson Travel Saba, The Ferry Edge 2 SXM, The Ferry Dawn 2 Saba & Saba Divers & Scout's Place Hotel. Lots of credit goes also to Jumbie Design Saba (Malachy) who did all the filming and editing for YouTube. Special thanks to Nina from Saba Divers for helping w/ the filming at the final night.
For next years competition Barbara & Wolfgang Tooten are planning on even more prizes and will try to get more sponsors on board.
This event is a lots of fun and great entertainment to locals and visitors alike. It was born out of Scout's regular "Sabaoke night" and has become a major event on the island.
This time for the first time ever you can follow up the whole finals with all songs on "YouTube". So do not hesitate and have a look. See & maybe hear you on Saba!
Please find the link here: www.youtube.com/sabaidol
Photo: Owner Barbara Tooten (left) presenting the award to Bethany (center) while owner Wolfgang Tooten announces to the crowd (right)
Click here for a larger version of the photo.
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