The contest is a fundraiser for the school’s choral department which also plans to release a Christmas CD this month. Pictured with Choral Director and teacher Liz Bennett Stewart from left are: Alicia Torres, Rachel Demarco, Terlen Royal, Omar Metellus, Gwen Adams and Cullen Faircloth.
KEVIN BRADY PHOTO

Riverview High students take to stage for Idol

Contest about developing young singers  | Finale is Nov. 8

By Kevin Brady 

The fear of speaking in front of an audience ranks up there with fear of death with many adults, so it takes a special kind of courage to walk on stage and sing in front of one. And just to add a little more pressure, that’s an audience of your teenage peers in high school.

But a group of 25 students at Riverview High School with nerves of steel took to the stage last week to do just that at Riverview Idol. The top 25 were narrowed down to 10 who will perform Thursday, Nov. 1 at the school. That group is whittled down to five for the finale Nov. 8. Tickets are $5. Past Riverview Idol contestants have gone on to careers as professional singers and musicians. 

Riverview Idol is unique among similar high school talent shows because it emphasizes the growth of the performers, said Liz Bennett Stewart who started the contest in 2005. 

“When I set up Idol (13 years ago) it has specific challenges to avoid it just being a popularity contest so that’s why I bring in expert judges every year that have a professional background,” Bennett Stewart said. “I want every single kid who takes part to grow as singers and have fun. They are very supportive of one another. I’ve never had a situation in 13 years where I have had a sore loser.”

For her, the show is about helping young people develop and achieve goals. “I started my career as a private voice teacher and when I look at my students I see a choir class but within that group I also see individuals, all with different goals and things they want to achieve with their singing so my goal is to meet those needs.”

While the final decision on the winner rests with the audience – students vote by ballot – three professional judges can sway those votes. This year’s judges are Rodney Bueno, a professional recording artist; Stephanie Scolaro, lead singer with The Shift, one of Tampa’s premiere classic rock bands; and Jessie Bergman, a music teacher with a degree in music, voice and opera from the University of Tampa. 

“We are a high school, so to some degree (voting) will be about popularity but while people will come to support one person, tonight (the Oct. 25 show with 25 contestants) they will also get to vote for nine others. It’s unique. I don’t think there’s another school that does it (this way).” 

And the judges know what they are talking about. Riverview Idol has had American Idol contestants as guest hosts. “This event has attracted some big names,” Bennett Stewart said. 

The judges also play an active role in grooming contestants for the finale, Nov. 8. Like the TV show, The Voice, each judge is paired with at least two performers – one judge is paired with one student – who helps prepare them for the show. The winner gets performance opportunities throughout the year in the Bay area and a chance to record a track in a studio for the Riverview High choral department’s Christmas CD. 

“They give the kids real feedback and something to think about,” Bennett Stewart said.

Logan Long, last year’s winner and this year’s host, said picking a winner will not be easy. 

“There are a lot of talented people this year. It will be real hard to pick a winner.”

Idol a high note for contestants 

From overcoming stage fright to taking their first steps into a possible music career, contestants have differing reasons for taking part in Riverview Idol.

Terlen Royal took to the stage for the first time at Idol, singing “When We Were Young” by Adele. “I’ve never really sang in front of a big crowd but it’s my senior year and I want to do everything on my bucket list.”

Cullen Faircloth, a junior, sang Uptown Funk at the contest. “I am the only one in my family who does anything musical but I have been singing all my life.”

For Nikala Hale, Idol is about more than just music. 

“Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always wanted to produce music that can cover hard topics and help younger kids my age by reaching out to them,” said Hale, a junior, who performed What is Love from the TV show Empire. “I also feel (performing) will helped me overcome my stage fright, so that I can perform when I’m older.”

Rachel Demar, a junior who performed “Pulled” from The Adams Family, performed last year as a freshman. 

“Last year it was really hard for me, but I’ve really gotten used to being on stage at this point,” Demar said. “So slowly, I’m getting better and better and building my confidence so it’s getting easier and easier.” Rachel dreams of performing professionally one day but “my backup plan is to teach music.”