Finalists prepared to shine
By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
The Northern Star Competition is reaching its final stages with all regional shows complete and three finalist from the north, central and southern regions competing for the title of Northern Star. Also three group finalists — will compete for the title of Northern Stars United. The 2012 Finale will be held on Sunday, March 25, at the Caribou Performing Arts Center beginning at 2 p.m.
“All three regional shows had exceptional talent and the Finale promises to be an event you won’t want to miss,” said Claudia Stevens of United Way of Aroostook, the organization that has been organizing the fundraiser since 2005.
During the Sunday afternoon event there will be nine solo acts and three group performances along with an opening number. The opening number will feature all nine contestants singing “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz. The three group finalists will perform song “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars.
Following the performances of each of the nine finalists, audience members will vote to determine which three will sing a second time. Once again the audience will vote to see who will become the next Northern Star.
The three groups will perform and from these performances the audience will vote to see who will be the winner of Northern Stars United.
Last year Dashawn Russell from Loring Job Corp was chosen as Northern Star but shortly thereafter left Job Corps and moved back to his hometown of Bridgeport, Conn. “We have stayed in touch with Dashawn and we are very pleased that he will be making a special trip back to Maine to perform as the 2011 Northern Star winner,” said Stevens. “He is very talented and is willing to share his gift of singing with his fans here in Aroostook County once again,” she added
Among the contestants slated to sing representing southern Aroostook and Carlton County, New Brunswick, are 17-year-old Nathen Cyr from Patten, Bailey McNally of Sherman and Brandon Clark from Houlton. The vocal duet group from that area is Brittani Suitter and Cassidy Nason, both from Monticello.
Representing the central Aroostook area and Victoria County, N.B., are Lance Albair of Woodland, and Todd Corey and Josh Doughty both from Presque Isle. Dan Rooney and Josh Doughty will be performing a duet together and they are both from Presque Isle.
Winners from Northern Aroostook and Madawaska County, New Brunswick, are Emily Marin of Fort Kent, Indya Ouellette from Madawaska and Megan Ouellette from Clair, N.B.
Representing the vocal group winners will be Ariane Richard of Clair, N.B. and her singing partners, twin sisters Naomi and Nokomi Oakes Ouellet from Lac Baker, N.B. They call themselves The Triplets.
Special performances are planned by reigning Northern Star winner Russell and 2007 Aroostook Idol winner Annie Charles. “We will also be hearing from Christian Sirois, who was part of the winning group in 2011 of Northern Stars United.
Admission to the March 25 finale is $10 per person and tickets can be purchased at any branch of KeyBank or at the United Way office. All proceeds will go directly to the United Way of Aroostook’s annual campaign, which helps 21 agencies, and programs that support people in need over the entire region.
“Get your tickets early,” advised Stevens, who said this show is regularly sold out.
For more information on the Finale contact the United Way of Aroostook at 764-5197.
