Berkshire Idol: Let's Hear It for the Boys
  Above, Idol winners Todd Hamilton and Brandon Haskell; left, runners-up Jessica Perrault and Gabrielle Straight. More photos here. |
"I didn't expect it. I literally did not expect it," said a slightly dazed Hamilton after being awarded a large, literally, $1,000 check for his rendition of Edward McCain's "I'll Be." "There are five others here I thought would get it."
It was, said judge Tracy Grammar, "a great song for your voice." Fellow judge John Souchak called it "a great performance."
"What a great way to wrap this up."
Hamilton took the stage at Drury High School as the last performer of the 16 semifinalists vying for Berkshire Idol bragging rights - along with $1,000 and four hours of recording time at Skyboro Studio. The annual event is a fundraiser for local groups and charities; contestants and the event raised $11,200. This year's beneficiary is Windsor School of Music in North Adams.
Judges were Souchak, Grammar and Corey Moran. Each offered a positive comment to the contestants as they faced the judges after performing. Each contestant was scored and the results tabulated backstage. The event moved fairly quickly, covering 2 1/2 hours with an intermission and encore performances by last year's winners, Kristina Clark and Mary Alice Wieland.
Twelve-year-old Brandon of North Adams sang the ballad "Broken Wing" by Martina McBride capped by tremendous applause from an appreciative audience. "You nailed it," said Souchak.
Brandon's reaction to winning was to the point: "It's awesome."
Runners-up went to the ladies, with Jessica Perrault, 23, taking second in the adult category for a smooth take on "Black Velvet" and Gabrielle Straight in the junior for "My New Philosophy." Both charmed the judges with their stage presence as well as their voices.
"Even though I didn't get first, it's OK," said Gabrielle, add she really wanted to thank her mom for driving her to North Adams so she could compete. "It was just so exciting."
Hamilton said his prize money will be put to use for tuition at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where he's studying to be middle school science teacher. He's also technical director at Main Street Stage, where he thinks he'll now get more stage time.
He's knows exactly what he's going to do with the studio time.
"I have original music that I've been wanting to record for a long, long time," he grinned.
Editor's Note: As pointed out by a commentator below, we got our "Broken Wing" songs messed up when it came to Brandon Haskell's performance. We thought it was "Broken Wings." We apologize for the error and have fixed it.
Below: All the contestants.
