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Contestant Bios - Week 5 ( March 31st)

Here are the exciting results of our fifth preliminary audition at the Radisson on 03-31-05!

DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE 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.

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 and/or Thursday April 21 and /or Thursday April 28 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 7at 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 audition was April 7. Entrants may re-audition up to four (4) times.

AUDITIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2004. BE SURE TO CHECK BACK ON THIS WEBSITE NEXT SEASON FOR AUDITION DATES. The April 7 date has been added at the Radisson due to demand. Semi-Finals will now start April 14. See policies or email us for details.

Photo	Name / Bio
	The Twin Ports Idol Chicken Twin Ports Idol Chicken, just saved from a mean and terrible deep fryer cook, is so happy to relate that ALL the contestants who sang on March 31st at the Radisson are going on to Grandma's for the Semi-Finals! Everybody! Congratulations! Dance chicken dance! And we would like to wish all the talented singers who auditioned a HAPPY APRIL FOOLS! The real results of the auditions will be published ASAP, hopefully this weekend, but possibly early next week. This message brought to you by all those in favor of not taking life too seriously! SEE BELOW FOR ACTUAL RESULTS
	Samantha Malec Semi-Finalist. Samantha is 16 years old from Proctor, MN. She has loved music her whole life, and first performed in public in 8th grade. She has won the St. Louis County Fair contest, and competed at the State Fair. Her biggest musical influence is her cousin, Shad Olson, who is off-Broadway in NY. Quote from Sam: "I look up to Shad so much. He put me into drive, and pushed me to sing."
	Hailey Giller Semi-Finalist. Hailey is 17 years old from Luck, Wisconsin. She started to sing as soon as she could talk. She has been in choirs since kindergarten, and taken voice lessons from her high school music teacher. She has performed solos in church, for Veteran's Day, and for many school events. Quote from Hailey: "Music has always been a huge part of my life. Coming from a small town, you never think your voice will be heard."
	Jessie Paul Smith Semi-Finalist. Jessie is 23 years old from Superior, WI. He was born and raised in the Twin Ports. His first musical performance was at the age of 3, singing the books of the Bible at church. He plays numerous instruments, writes original songs, and was a founding member of the Christian rock band "Once Blind". Quote from Jessie: "I know God's got a will for us all, and if you seek Him with all your heart, he will give you the desires of your heart. Not my will but Yours be done."
	Dillon Tourville Semi-Finalist. Dillon is 15 years old from Duluth, MN. A sophomore at Denfeld HS, he has studied voice for two years at UWS and was accepted into Denfeld Concert Choir as a freshman. He is active in skiing, football, speech and music theater. He enjoys all styles of music, especially rock, metal and pop. Quote from Dillon: "I love to sing. It is my dream to become a Rock Star someday."
	Megan Peasha Semi-Finalist. Megan is 22 years old from Duluth, MN. Originally from Sandpoint, Idaho, she has been involved in tap, ballet, jazz, and singing for 18 years. Recently she received her degree in creative writing from U of Montana, but her passions are singing open mic nights and her boyfriend, a local TV sports anchor. Her high school jazz choir won first prize four years in a row at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Quote from Megan: "I am an entertainer. Okay, so maybe I just entertain myself. But I love it."
	Arianna St. George Semi-Finalist. Arianna is 15 years old from Sturgeon Lake, MN. Born in Lakewood Township outside of Duluth, her family moved to Moose Lake when she was in the 6th grade. She has been in music classes since a child. Her dad and her Godparents have been big influences in her singing. Quote from Arianna: "Singing is my dream, and I do not intend on waking up. If you give me a chance, I will not let you down."
	Marissa Gilbertson Semi-Finalist. Marissa is 22 years old from Superior, Wisconsin. She was in choir in high school, competed in talent shows, sang solos, sang the national anthem for sporting events, and attended music camps. Currently pursuing a bachelor of arts in Speech Communications from UWS, she has been in choir there for 4 years and had two years of voice lessons. Quote from Marissa: "My dream is to be standing in front of a huge crowd singing."
	Alissa Marie Hady Semi-Finalist. Alissa is 17 years old from Hermantown, MN. She has sung from an early age, was accepted into "Choristers" in 5th grade, and has been in choirs and musicals all through high school. Her elite group, "Extension 59" has received exemplary marks at regional contests. Currently Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. Quote from Alissa: "I look forward to pursuing a career in music or theatre after I graduate this spring."
	Danielle Holcomb Semi-Finalist. Danielle is 19 years old from Two Harbors, MN. She started singing at a very early age. Her faith and her mom are her biggest influences. Although she has not had formal vocal training, her mother has passed on a love for show tunes. Danielle also likes gospel and Christian Rock. Quote from Danielle: "Our church choir was my 'breakout' opportunity."
	Jillian Denise Schwantz Semi-Finalist. Jillian is 18 years old from White Bear Lake, MN. She lives with her mother and her cat and attends UMD. She has had voice and acting lessons, has performed in musical theater, Winter Carnival Theater Company, Junior Miss Eastside Ambassadors, at the State Fair and Minnesota Twins and Timberwolves games, and with John Robert Powers. Quote from Jillian: "i like a little bit of every kind of music."
	Leah Gregorich Semi-Finalist. Leah is 24 years old from Duluth, MN. She has had no musical training, but has a natural flair for country music, particularly Faith Hill. She is currently attending UWS for a degree in teaching. Quote from Leah: "I have sang at weddings, baseball games, and at a cancer benefit."
	Heidi Feroe Semi-Finalist. Heidi is 17 years old from Poplar, Wisconsin. She will graduate from Marshall High School in June, and is accepted at St. Olaf College in the fall. She has taken voice lessons and participated in many musicals and community theater since the age of four. Quote from Heidi: "I've played Dorothy in Wizard of Oz and Anne in Anne of Green Gables. My favorite music is pop and country."
	Laura Laumeyer Semi-Finalist. Laura is 26 years old from Duluth, MN. Born in Duluth, she was already singing into the vacuum cleaner handle at age 2. Sang in choirs (women's select and a cappella), plays and competition while at Duluth East. She has studied voice with Bill Bastien. Currently she attends nursing school. Quote from Laura: "I use singing as a 'stress reliever.' "
	Nkechi Agide Semi-Finalist. Nkechi is 22 years old from Duluth, MN. Nkechi goes by the nickname NK. Her only music experience is singing in her choir at church. NK did not write a very lengthy biographical sketch for Twin Ports Idol. So we fill this space with Idol chatter. Nkechi enjoys singing 'Alabaster Box' by CC Wynans.
	Melissa Arvola Semi-Finalist. Melissa is 19 years old from Virginia, MN. Melissa grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she attended a music elementary school called Franklin Music Magnet. She has had voice lessons. Quote from Melissa: "I especially like performing the song 'Ready for Love' by India Arie."
	Noelle Denise Sandstrom Semi-Finalist. Noelle is 22 years old from Sturgeon Lake, MN. She started singing at a very early age, mostly in church. Her choir director, Mr. Williams, and her mother are big musical influences. She has sung in many church productions, choir programs, has done the national anthem for sporting events, and has received superior ratings at state. Quote from Noelle: "This spring I will graduate from UMD with a double major in Business Management and Spanish."
	Drew Autio Not a Semi-Finalist. Encouraged to re-audition. Kudos for trying again, and this performance was much improved and more well-prepared than your previous try. You would have been accepted as a semi-finalist, except that you wore a logo or emblem on stage, and that is not allowed (see policies). Trademarked logos such as the one shown are in violation of our contest requirements. This is a simple item to correct, so we encourage you to try again on our final audition date, April 7.
	Nicholas Michael Higgins Not a Semi-Finalist. Encouraged to re-audition on April 7. Nice, powerful baritone voice. Good style, good mic technique, good stage presence, appearance, attitude, choice of dress, and charisma. However, the way you strained on the top notes was painful to listen to. You should have started on a lower pitch. Also, be sure to sing to us, not at us, so you communicate with your audience. All these things are fixable with care and attention and being better prepared.
	Hannah Rey Dunda Not a semi-finalist. Encouraged to re-audition on April 7. Nice voice, good choice of song, good style for you. Your plusses include singing with emotion and meaning, intonation, and good eye contact. You need some attention to variety in dynamics, breath control on your longer phrases, choice of dress, and projection. However, you would have been accepted as a semi-finalist except that you wore a logo/trademark on stage, and that is not allowed (see policies). This is a simple thing to fix, so we encourage you to try again on our final audition date, April 7.
	Traci Scott Not a semi-finalist. Encouraged to re-audition on April 7. Very sincere performance, very pretty voice, very courteous, great attitude, good diction, classy choice of dress (awesome necklace), and good job of singing from the heart with emotion and feeling. However, intonation issues (also changed key center several times), lack of breath support (ran out of air several times), overall nervousness, and a sound that is too nasal (open your mouth more). All these things are fixable with care.
	Star Heinonen Not a semi-finalist. Encouraged to re-audition on April 7. Very real, very emotional, very sincere performance. Strong voice, great attitude. However, you lack breath support (ran out of air) and eye contact, and your feet seemed glued to the floor. Your song choice was just okay. A bigger song (like your favorite "Me & Bobby McGee") would better showcase your voice. All these things are fixable with care and attention.
	Matt Kleive Not a semi-finalist. Encouraged to re-audition on April 7. Beautiful, silky voice and good style, emotion, interpretation, eye contact and attitude. However, we need more variety in dynamics and a song choice that shows more of what your voice can do. Your pacing was too fast, and your mic technique needs attention. You may have been a semi-finalist, but your payment was filled out incorrectly, and so you are disqualified. See payment directions on the registration form for your re-audition.
	Katie Crain Not a semi-finalist. Encouraged to re-audition on April 7. Very pretty voice, you've got style and attitude, and you sang with emotion and feeling. However, your intonation comes and goes, and you need more work on microphone technique, dynamics, eye contact, courtesy, and communicating with your audience (look at us, not through us). All these things are fixable with care and attention.
	Angela Nichole Brannan Not a semi-finalist. Encouraged to re-audition on April 7. Nice intensity, and great country style. Good choice of song for you, good mic technique, and good job of singing from the heart with emotion and meaning. However, your nervousness held you back, your feet were glued to the floor (your body language should also reflect the song), your tone is a bit too nasal at times, and your intonation comes and goes. All these things are correctable with care.
	Bobbi Jo Schmelzer Not a semi-finalist. Encouraged to re-audition on April 7. Very pretty voice, good style, good song choice for you, very polite and courteous, and you've got the look. Great job singing from the heart with emotion and feeling. However, your intonation is pitchy, you need to float more on top instead of push, open your eyes more, and you were not well-prepared (changed songs mid-audition). All these things are fixable with care and attention.
	Larissa Beth Martinson Not a semi-finalist. Encouraged to re-audition on April 7. Beautiful voice, good emotional performance, good song for you, and good eye contact. However, nervousness and lack of preparation (you stopped 4 times) detracted from your best effort. Need better breath support and more dynamics, and your appearance suffered from keeping your hand in your pocket the whole time. All these things are correctable with care and attention.
	Melissa Marie Sutton Not a semi-finalist. Encouraged to re-audition on April 7. Very pretty soprano voice, nice style and delivery, good intensity of emotions, good attitude (especially when things weren't going great), and very courteous and easy to work with. However, your pacing of this song was too fast, your nervousness was evident, your intonation was pitchy up high, you need more diaphragm on the top notes, and you need to pick a radio song. All this is fixable with care.