Surprise Donation & Heartfelt Talent Make for Emotional 2009 Pride Star Finals
Posted on 19 May 2009 by Shout Kody
The third annual Pride Star! Karaoke competition may have ended this year but for Niko Jaquez it is only the beginning. Niko Jaquez held his trophy high on Sunday as he waved to a cheering crowd including his number one fan, his mother. Niko walks away with $2,500.00 in prize money, a fully produced original track and air play on the gay Internet network StudioOut.com.
Niko’s Pride Star! journey began at Hamburger Marys as he took one of three spots in the quarterfinals. He then moved on to the semi-final round and competed against eleven other contestants. The Semi-finals began on Saturday at the Main stage at Long Beach Pride. This years semi-finals and final rounds were hosted by the talented Christine O’ Leary, or as she like to be called, ” The gay Ryan Seacrest”. The evening ended with a tie for third sending Niko and three hopefuls to the final round on Sunday.
The drama did not end there. A generous man from the audience began to wave cash towards the four finalists as they stood on the stage. This man, identified later as Dr. Alqaisi generously donated $3000.00 to be split between the three finalist in the final round. He later stated he was on his way somewhere else and stopped to listen. He was touched by the singing and the performers. This amazing gift assured all that nobody was going to be going home empty handed.
The final round of competition began with a sizzling performance by previous Pride Star! winner, Tom Crowe singing “Fever”. The four finalist took the stage each singing two songs for the judges. After an evening of great performances, the results were in and ”Chandra” was named fourth runner up, Jonathan Jimenez took third and Latonius placed second. Niko won over the judges and the crowd with his first performance of “I’ll be” by Edwin McCain and an applause meter breaking final song ,” I’m feeling good”. Niko Jaquez took first place becoming the Third Annual Pride Star! winner.
This year’s competition was filled with talented, gifted artists and we all hope to see them compete again next year.
Tags | Pride Star Finals
Pride Star was SOO much fun, I’m glad to have had the opportunity to participate. I met some great people, had some good times, and learned not be so shy and sing in front of an audience! I’ll definitely be participating next year.
Wow this is soo frickin cool! haha
Who would’ve thought there would be an article about me! lol
Ahhhh i’m really happy and just like ummm….emotional.
I didn’t think I’d make it this far yet alone win the competition.
I made awesome friends, created a new family, got to experience the gay lifestyle outside of the conservative one here in bakersfield, and just have a great time.
I just want to thank all the staff and everyone who was a part of this event.
Especially would like to thank you the Shout Long Beach studio for taking some awesome pix and covering this story.
Something I will never forget!!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! =] <3
We at Long Beach Pride have acomplished what we set out to do. Give those in any community the chance to reach for the stars; and with that they all have had an experience they will remember.
They have learned more about themselves and what they are capable of doing. They now have more courage and a new vision. Their were no losers here, all are winners in more ways than one.
Much gratitude to ShoutLongBeach for their coverage of this event.
Serving in Pride,
Shannon