Lucky 13 still standing in Teen Idol competition

By Chip Dombrowski, Entertainment Editor
Monday, July 28, 2008 | 22 comment(s)

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After a shakeup at the top of the standings, followers of the Bay Area Teen Idol contest will be eagerly watching to see what happens next at this week’s competition.

Judges eliminated two more contestants from the contest Thursday at the Coos County Fair, leaving 13 contestants remaining.

Both Kaci Baker of North Bend and Cody Glenn of Coos Bay tried songs that didn’t work for their range, and pitch problems forced them out, though they will return for group numbers. Baker sang Martina McBride’s “This One’s For the Girls” and Glenn sang “Stand” by Rascal Flatts.

Star Moralez, a Marshfield sophomore, took the top score for the first time with her performance of Bonnie Raitt’s “Something To Talk About.” She also won the people’s choice race from the previous week.

A crowd of about 200 attended the event, according to a press release.

Breaking the precedent of the first two weeks, the contest named the top three scorers Thursday.

Destyni Fuller placed second with her rendition of “One Way Ticket” by LeeAnn Rimes, and Caitlin Mansfield placed third with “Shoop, Shoop (It’s in His Kiss).”

It was Mansfield’s first time in the top three.

“It’s nice to see that we’re only three weeks into it and there’s already so much growth,” organizer Stephanie Kilmer said.

Noticeably absent from the top three was Alyssa Birrer, last year’s runner-up and the contest’s most consistent top performer of the last three years. Until Thursday, Birrer hadn’t placed lower than third in any Teen Idol event since 2006, placing first or second all but one week last year and first the first two weeks of this year.

A controversy surrounding speculation, that points Birrer earned in the appearance category on July 17 may have put her over the top, led organizers to discuss the dress code for contestants in the early weeks of the competition, when they wear matching T-shirts. Contestants may not accessorize their costumes during this phase.

“That’s something that’s been in place from the beginning,” Kilmer said. “The costumes come into play in August. ... The judges are not scoring appearance.”

Birrer’s quick reversal of fortune prompted further speculation that the hoopla also may have influenced judges to compensate for Birrer’s perceived advantage from the week before by slightly downgrading her scores Thursday. In a letter to contest officials, her mother, Lisa Boyle, suggested organizers changed the rules at the behest of contestants who were unhappy with Birrer’s consistent success.

Kilmer denied the allegations. She said the contest would address the issues later this week.

The panel of judges at the fair included Kim Handsaker, Kevin Stufflebean and Barbara Bates.
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What: Bay Area Teen Idol continues with week 4 in the competition.


When: 6 p.m. Thursday.


Where: At the Egyptian Theatre, in downtown Coos Bay.
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C.C. wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:37 AM:

Protective Sis,
Way to go! Hey...I have an idea. How about next year we call the competition "Pre-Teen Idol" since that's what everyone seems to be acting like?!?

Protective Sister wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:23 PM:

I would really like to know what everyone's problem is with my sister! She hasn't done anything mean to anybody, and if you have a problem with her maybe you should just explain what it is so we can deal with the issue! She did't put the "humble" label on herself, and it's time everybody left her alone! In fact, it's time to let the kids get on with the competition and stop all of this bickering. This is getting very immature and out of hand.

Star Moralez wrote on Aug 5, 2008 11:26 AM:

Teen Idol has been one of the funnest experiences in my life, as well as one of the most challenging. As far as attitudes go, you couldn't meet a better, more spectatcular group of kids in this entire state. These kids are here putting heart and soul into everything they do!
This last week I saw a girl put so much feeling into a song, that she cired, and thats what the music is all about! Its not about who likes you off stage, or if you get along with a competitor.
Because, truthfully, there isn't one person in Teen Idol that I wish wasn't.
There are alot of things in music that can be cold business, and no real soul. But I see girls, ( and boy :) pushing there hearts out onto that stage evry week.
But finally,
This isn't about the way you can work a judge or throw a stink over an unfortunate score- This is about how you can sing- and I haven't met a better group for that.

Jerky Parent wrote on Aug 5, 2008 11:15 AM:

"Humble Destyni"
teh heh heh

Shanklin wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:08 PM:

I only know two of the contestents but both of them should make it to the finale.

pril wrote on Aug 2, 2008 7:53 AM:

I'm sure all the kids are fantastic kids, but I only know one, and have known her since she was five years old and couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. I'd like to see her win. Since it's not possible for me to come watch all the Idol kids perform every week, I come here and cheer her on! Go Star! Proud to be one of your moms!

Proud Mom wrote on Aug 1, 2008 10:14 PM:

All I have asked of anyone regarding Teen Idol is fairness...whether it is judges, parents, contestants or reporters. If Alyssa's or my only concern was about winning, why would we give so much help to Clint last year? Why would she give another kid her karaoke for that week and pick another song for herself? Why help kids fix their trouble spots before the program?
Alyssa put so much emotion in her song this week, she was crying at the end. My wish for her is that she do her best and have fun...If that is not possible, she will no longer compete.

vocalist wrote on Aug 1, 2008 2:57 PM:

unfortunately for humble destyni, this is a VOCAL CONTEST.
flat, pitchy notes just aren't going to win. I also resent any implication that our contestants are rude....so far, they seem to have better attitudes than the parents, myself included.

Destiny Fan wrote on Aug 1, 2008 2:48 PM:

Dittos to Slimfan! Destiny you are so talented, your voice is beautiful! You are a natural on stage! Keep up the good work, I truly thought you deserved first place! Don't ever give up, we are all cheering for you!

fourth year idol fan wrote on Aug 1, 2008 2:28 PM:

Slimfan's commetns and attitude are exactly what these kids don't need. My kids grew up playing BBX. Sometimes you get terrible refs. We taught our kids not to argue with the refs but to focus on things that are within their control - good sportsmanship and playing to the best of their abilities. You can't win them all. You can, however, have fun, learn important life lessons, and make some really good friends. What kind of lessons are you teaching your kids?

Unfairly Judged wrote on Aug 1, 2008 2:09 PM:

I am very sad that Krista got eliminated last night! She was one of the better performers and I feel she was unfairly judged. Some of the other contestants forget words and obviously messed up the song, I would like to know what exactly the kids are being judged on.

AlyssaFan wrote on Aug 1, 2008 12:25 PM:

And Alyssa wins!!!!!!!!

again!
y'all might as well drop on out!

SlimFan wrote on Aug 1, 2008 11:48 AM:

As anticipated, it looks as though Ms.Boyle's bullying freak-out was a success.....sour notes and forgotten lyrics went unnoticed and rewarded....Star ,Destiny-you might as well just wait until next year-you may get a fair shot at it then. This is supposed to be a Vocal contest. My girls and I will not be attending any more, I simply don't support these "values". Sad.

fourth year idol fan wrote on Aug 1, 2008 8:46 AM:

What a great bunch of talent this year! Wish I could say the same for some of the adult audience members. I would like to remind the adults that this competition is about and for the kids. It is our responsibility to set good examples and keep our mouths shut if we don't have nice things to say or words of encouragement for ALL of the participants.

Fan of Alyssa wrote on Aug 1, 2008 12:31 AM:

Alyssa...great, star quality voice...you are the Teen Idol!!!

Burlyman wrote on Aug 1, 2008 12:30 AM:

I have heard words referring to Teen Idol 2008 like "rigged", "controversy", and "favoritism". Well, I went down to the Teen Idol competition to see for myself on Thursday night, and I encourage you to do the same to show support for the young talent we have in the Bay Area.
I went on "Disney Night" and what I saw were some really talented kids and a decision by the judges that was fair to all involved. Keep up the good work.
I have also read and heard comments surrounding this competition. Things like "stage moms from Hell" and "screeching bats"...to these people I say...THEY'RE KIDS!!! If they see you reacting and behaving ugly, what good are they learning from this experience. These kids are our future and if we teach them to be mean, hateful and nasty to one another...what kind of future are we building? Please...lead by example and remember that the kids are supposed to be having a fun time with this.
Best of luck to the remaining contestants!

alexis wrote on Jul 29, 2008 4:47 PM:

Wow!! Star Moralez has an amazing voice! Soulful and with GREAT range. I think she's going places!

pril wrote on Jul 29, 2008 5:54 AM:

where is my comment about Star Moralez?

Barb wrote on Jul 28, 2008 8:13 PM:

There is so much talent in this group of kids! I would have to say that as far as voice goes Star is exceptional!!!

pril wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:56 PM:

Star Moralez is a great kid, very talented, very smart. Go Star! I know you can do it!

Passing through town wrote on Jul 28, 2008 3:21 PM:

As a visitor to the fair on Thursday we watched the contest. Those young people have a lot of talent, but to us, that night went to Destyni Fuller. She lights up the stage. Keep up the good work.

Big Fan wrote on Jul 28, 2008 1:20 PM:

If you want a real teen idol then look at personalities off stage as well. Several of the leaders may have great voices, but their attitudes leave much to be desired. Humble Destyni Fuller has my vote for all around great person, talent, and artist.


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