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Contestant Bios - Week 2 ( March 10th)

BE SURE TO GET YOUR ORDER IN FOR SEMI-FINALIST T-SHIRT ORDERS. Custom Twin Ports Idol T-shirts will have the names of all our talented semi-finalists. They will be black with white lettering. On the registration form all contestants responded regarding their interest in purchasing T-shirts for themselves, their family, their friends, their fans. Don't miss out on ordering yours today, before the DEADLINE PASSES! Call (800) 248-7225 for more information.

Here are the exciting results of our second preliminary audition at the Radisson on 03-10-05!

There are two different groups of Twin Ports Idol contestants shown below:

Semi-Finalists who are scheduled to compete at Grandma's on Thursday April 14, Thursday April 21, or Thursday April 28. Each night the schedule is from 6 to 9 pm (contestants will be notified of specifics as they become available).
Contestants who did not make the cut this time, but due to their scores being so close to the cutoff, are encouraged to re-audition with a new song on April 7 at the Radisson.

If you auditioned and do not see your picture here, and if you are confident you can give a better performance, your last chance to re-audition was April 7 at the Radisson. Entrants may re-audition up to four (4) times.

AUDITIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2004. Please inquire next season. See policies or email us for details.

Photo	Name / Bio
	Rachel Becker Semi-Finalist. Rachel is 23 years old from Duluth, MN. Soon to be a graduate of UMD music department (Vocal Music Education), Rachel has been studying voice for 5 years but has been singing from an early age. Her favorite styles of music are blues and rock. Quote from Rachel: "I have been singing forever, and am currently the female lead in a wonderful country band 'Midnight Ride' ".
	Kelli Grady Semi-Finalist. Kelli is 20 years old from Duluth, MN. Her favorite music is country music.She attends the College of St. Scholastica, where she studies to become a registered nurse. She has a very close, supportive family, and has performed in school choirs, talent shows, church choir, assemblies, and in a local band called "Lovers and Madmen". Quote from Kelli: "I believe the best thing to do in life is smile, because smiles are contagious. Singing to me is a wonderful gift, and I would love to share my voice with whoever will listen."
	Kendall Raeanne Thudin Semi-Finalist. Kendall is 17 years old from Proctor, MN. She has been singing since she was 8 years old. She has sung at the State Fair, Dukes baseball games, and school events. She likes all styles of music, and has not had formal vocal training. Quote from Kendall: "I have always had a strong interest is big powerful voices like Celine Dion, Billie Holiday, and Martina McBride. I would love to record original songs."
	Miriam Alanen Semi-Finalist. Miriam is 17 years old from Cloquet, MN. She began singing in church and theater at a very young age. She has taken voice lessons for six years, and has been active in the Duluth Playhouse for several years, most recently with "The Wizard of Oz". She has sung for many events and was recently crowned 2005 Miss Cloquet. Quote from Miriam: "Music and theater is my passion. My family has always supported my endeavors. My parents raised me to love Jesus, and I try my best to serve God and live as His daughter."
	Kelsey Leann Huppert Semi-Finalist. Kelsey is 19 years old from Duluth, MN. Born in Wisconsin, and a resident of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Kelsey is currently studying pharmacy at UMD. She has sung from an early age, and her choir experience has included performances in the Twin Cities and Chicago. As a senior in high school, she sang the national anthem at sporting events. Quote from Kelsey: "Singing has always been an important pat of my life, whether I'm sharing my voice with others, or just enjoying it myself."
	Meghan Kelli Bittner Semi-Finalist. Meghan is 18 years old from Hibbing, MN. She has taken voice lessons for five years, and captured numerous awards and trophies for her singing. The 2004 runner-up for Iron Range Idol, she has recently competed in St. Louis, Missouri. A member of both high school choir and band (flute), she also directs the youth choir at her church, and donates her talent to non-profits. Quote from Meghan: "There are two types of music: good music and bad music. I prefer good music."
	Judith Marie Kilby Semi-Finalist. Judith is 36 years old from Duluth, MN. She is the mother of two "beautiful boys" who works at Viewcrest Health Care Center. She comes from a musical family, was in choir and small vocal groups in school, and has sung for weddings and funerals. Quote from Judith: " I am a very down to earth girl with a lot of heart and soul. I am just a regular girl with a very big dream. Thank you for this once in a lifetime chance."
	Victoria Marie West Semi-Finalist. Victoria is 20 years old from Duluth, MN. She was born in Duluth and attended Hermantown High School, where Jim Olm was a big influence. Performed in musical theater, at Duluth Dukes games, at weddings, and received superior ratings in state contests. Quote from Victoria: "I have three siblings and two wonderful parents, and a new son born January 14th 2005. My choir teacher pushed me to be all I can be."
	Jennifer Lynn Bruemmer Semi-Finalist. Jennifer is 20 years old from Virginia, MN. She has been in choirs for 14 years, and has been active in plays and musicals, including roles as Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, the lead in Princess Ida, and in dinner theater. She has toured with the Young Continentals and holds an AA from Mesabi Range College. Quote from Jennifer: "My favorite music is things to dance with or sing to."
	Shari McGregor Semi-Finalist. Shari is 26 years old from Mountain Iron, MN. She attended Mesabi Range Community College, and is now a maintenance mechanic (millwright). She has been in high school choir, and "starred" every year at state competition. She loves to sing karaoke. Quote from Alena: "I am a certified welder."
	Christen Marie Norkunas Semi-Finalist. Christen is 15 years old from Biwabik, MN. She is a 10th grade home school student, the eldest of 4 children. She teaches Sunday school, and is the church librarian. She enjoys country music, has had vocal lessons, plays some guitar, and has sung at many shows, including Duluth, Orr, Grand Rapids and Mountain Iron. Quote from Christen: "I like to cook and crochet (wait, I know what you're thinking, only old ladies do that, but I really do). I would love to be your Twin Ports Idol."
	Kajsa Mija Fiene Semi-Finalist. Kajsa is 17 years old from Barnum, MN. She originally auditioned on March 3rd, 2005, was not selected then, but was encouraged to re-audition. On her second try, Kajsa is successful because she took to heart what the judges had to say and improved her performance 150%. Her favorite music is country. Quote from Kajsa: "I have been singing forever."
	Elizabeth "Libby" Talbot Semi-Finalist. "Libby" is 18 years old from Duluth, MN. The youngest of three from a very musical family, she has performed numerous gigs with her parents 50s 60s rock & roll band. She has been in two musicals, was in All State choir in Bemidji, and attended the Dorian Music Festival in Doecora, Iowa under the direction of Dr. Weston Noble. Quote from "Libby": "I have always been known as 'oh, that girl that sings.' I love music and would love to pursue a career in music."
	Steven Gardfrey Not a Semi-Finalist. Encouraged to re-audition. Nice vibe, gorgeous Barry White-style voice, and strong emotional performance and eye contact. However, serious intonation and transposition problems (changed key several times), detracted from the beautiful sound. Need work on breath control and the use of your high register, so that you don't strain. Better choice of song would better emphasize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
	Andrew Scully Not a Semi-Finalist. Encouraged to re-audition. Incredible intensity and creativity in both your songwriting and your performance. Very talented risk taker. However, your performance was not just a bit, but "way over the top." Too overly intense and overwhelming for what we are looking for. Risk taking in general is a good thing, but this is too much of a good thing. Temper your style and try a less demonstrative song, and your talent will come through better.
	Heather Bol Not a Semi-Finalist. Encouraged to re-audition. Unique, memorable voice and strong, emotional vocal performance. However, intonation issues, and stage presence need attention. Need more confidence to do your best and to communicate with your audience. You've got the voice, but you need self-assurance. Good performance, but we're looking for a great performance and more of a connection with the audience.
	Ivan Mazurkiewicz Not a Semi-Finalist. Encouraged to re-audition. Very nice voice, especially in the low range. Great eye contact, stage presence, choice of dress and emotion. However, your song choice contained references to "getting high". This is a strict no drugs, no alcohol event for all contestants and the music they select. With a more appropriate song choice and better microphone technique, you could do well in this competition.
	Brad Hasbrouck Not a Semi-Finalist. Encouraged to re-audition Beautiful baritone voice, great vocal projection, great stage etiquette, politeness and choice of dress. Choice of song not good ("There She Is, Miss America"), and your diction needs work. You need to pick a radio song for a competition like this. If you enjoy Kelly Clarkson and pop music, then go with this or similar style.
	JenniLee Rilea Not a Semi-Finalist. May choose to re-audition. Pretty voice, and good emotion. However, intonation and breath control issues (you breathed in the middle of a word), poor posture, and lack of stage presence detracted from your good voice. The worst part of the audition was when your dissatisfaction with your performance came out in a profanity in the microphone. You need much more polish and self control.