Karaoke Controversy in White River

Written by admin on 17 August 2010

Karaoke Idol Controversy in White River

WHITE RIVER, ON – Saturday, August 14^th final tryouts for the youth category of the Poohfest Karaoke Idol Competition were held at the legion, followed up with the adults’ second to last opportunity to qualify for the official competition.

Five judges have viewed entrants over the course of the summer as potential competitors were permitted to practice Wednesday and Friday evenings. 8 Children and 13 Adults had registered as of Saturday evening though the judges did point out, in answer to questions regarding whether they might be discriminating against out of town hopefulls, that two of these were from Pic Mobert First Nation.

Idol hopeful Natalie Labbe from Manitouwadge was the one to raise questions regarding whether out-of-town participation was being discouraged. In spite of having made the 90 minute drive in to White River with her father Saturday night, Labbee was not allowed the opportunity to participate in the competition. Judge Loretta Baziuk, speaking on behalf of Karaoke Idol organizers, seemed to decide Labbee’s fate without much pauce, insisting that she was a ‘Professional’ signer and would not be permitted to compete. Labbee, visibly distraught after being turned away from the stage, told OntarioNewsNorth.com that “Not only do I not make a living singing, I am not even in a band anymore” said Labbee adding that “I just want to get a fair chance like everyone else”. In fact when Labbee performed for Judge Baziuk and her colleagues in the 2009 competition, she didn’t even make it past the first round “They didn’t seem to think I had that much talent” commented Labbee in regards to the previous year’s results.

Baziuk would not re-consider however, though Labbee found a cell phone to access the internet, which she offered to the judges. She could find no mention on the Poohfest Karaoke Idol webpage of any description as to what they qualified as a ‘professional’ nor did she find information stating that such a person would not be welcome in the competition. The online rules did state that CDs would not be accepted as the Karaoke machine is pre-programmed but Labbee had read these in advance and said she was happy to sing to one of the available selections. CLICK HERE to view Karaoke Idol Webpage. Baziuk did explain that she did not make the choice to refuse Labbee entry alone, it was, stated Baziuk, “Unanimously passed by all the judges”.

Meanwhile, the 2 adult competitors present at that time took turns at the microphone as Dr. Velicaria worked the Karaoke machine. As they say, “The show must go on!” and so Rungano Mutwaisa and Deboarh Pacheson continued to sing. Mutwaisa, who is the boyfriend of one of the judges, performed several songs (see video below) his vocals improving with each; Pacheson followed also practicing several times (see video below). With no other registered entrants in attendance, Pacheson and Mutwaisa even entertained the judges and spectators with a lovely duet.

GOOD LUCK! to all the Karaoke Idol performers. If you’d like to watch as the action unfolds, be at the Community Centre this Friday, August 20^th ; the Kids Finals are from 6-7pm while the final Try-Outs for adults follow from 7-9pm. Adult Karaoke Finals will be held from 8-9:30pm at the Community Centre (age of majority required) this Saturday, August 21^st. Singers are competing for their chance at some BIG cash;

ADULTS