Review: Bermuda Idol Singing Competition

[Written by Dale Butler]

Congratulations are in order for Inter-Island Communications Limited, celebrating 20 years in business come this July 5, 2024. They operate the Hott 107.5 FM and Magic 102.7 FM radio stations and have a lengthy list of community activities which they support. The development of Bermuda Idol is one of the most anticipated music events on island that brings out the best of Bermuda talent and enthusiastic supporters.

On Saturday, March 23, 13 finalists delighted patrons dressed to the nines and equipped with a variety of songs. The Masters of Ceremonies – Bootsie [comedian/entertainer and tourism ambassador] and Nikita Robinson [The Worship Room – Magic 102.7 FM] – worked well together and kept the event moving efficiently with the support of an excellent stage and sound crew.

Held at the Ruth Edith May Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts, the late Mrs. James was the first Black person to head a Government department on August 22, 1966. She was a member of the St. Paul A.M.E. Church senior choir, and loved music. She would have been elated by the performances of this very diverse group of singers.

Bermuda Idol is the premier local event with a consistent history of excellent judges:

• Malz Esbe – Hott 107.5 FM – [Producer/Artist]
• Jonathan Tankard – [Musical Director/Producer]
• Conrad Roach – [Musical Director/Producer]
• Lizz Pimentel – [Founder and Director of the In Motion School of Dance and the “Concepts In Motion Dance Company”].

The judges had a difficult task and are worthy of praise for their clear, direct, positive and supportive comments of the singers’ strengths, and where they could improve. No doubt, the artists can only grow through practice, the stage experience, and the comments they receive from professionals in the business.

Salutations to the thirteen singers who made it through the auditions! Hopefully, those who didn’t will continue holding on to their dreams and try again next year.

The 2024 Bermuda Idol Contestants were:

• Shay Burrows
• Jo’Anthony Dellarro
• Miss Utopia
• Marseille Williams
• Nadia Gibson
• Mikayla Ming
• Chauntée Thompson
• Harmony DeCouto
• Zoleah Frith
• Tyler-Ray Wilson
• Savannah Darby
• Demara Maybury
• Serilina Fisher

Brief comments were given about each contestant and the rest was left with them. There were many highlights and a few lows as in being out of key. They all walked on stage with confidence and stood with grace when receiving feedback. Dress was excellent. The sing-off final round consisted of:

• Chauntée Thompson
• Savannah Darby
• Tyler-Ray Wilson
• Zoleah Frith
• Mikayla Ming
• Demara Maybury

Judges were precise, but not long with their comments because it was a difficult task. The winners received cash prizes and trophies. The final results were:

• 1st Demara Maybury
• 2nd Tyler-Ray Wilson
• 3rd Chauntée Thompson

Well done, Inter-Island Communications! Mr. Glenn Blakeney [Smooth Operator] ensured a faultless night with a dazzling stage set, raffle prizes and an opportunity for parents and friends to come on stage and show-off their homemade banners highlighting Bermuda’s stars in the making. The performance of Royalty: Danyell Webbe – the 2023 Bermuda Idol winner was a clear example of the high standard that has been set.

This programme could only take place with the additional support of Bermuda businesses, Government ministries, and the technical staff, all of whom are commended:

• Lamone Woods
• Crimson Multimedia & Crew
• Torrey Tacklyn – [Sound]
• Jonari Smith – [Lighting Design]
• Precious Iris – [Stage Set Design]
• Kennette Burgess – [Focus Consultant]
• Rickeesha Binns – [Vocal Coach]
• Sheila Smith – [Vocal Coach]
• The HOTT & MAGIC Family: Jackie Evans, Beverly Samuels, Pam Rabain, Jack Castle, Willis Steede, and India Muhammad.

Also, supporting the event were:

• Premier David Burt
• MPs Diallo Rabain, Michael Weeks, and Owen Darrell.

Sending folks home at the end of a cold night was not easy because they were on a high from such an outstanding night of stars here in Bermuda. Well done!

- Dale Butler is the Professor of Bermuda Music. His recent visits to the 2024 Montreal Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, to name just a few, have enabled him to compare standards worldwide. His current research project is on bandleader Ernie Leader. He has written books about Bermuda’s musicians, organized numerous music festivals and hopes to have Bermuda Idol contestants participate this summer at the award-winning Rosalie Gardens – Bermuda’s first house of music. He can be reached at daledbutler@gmail.com or 595-9841.

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Category: All, Entertainment, Music