Finalists Selected in Boys & Girls Club ‘Idol’ Competition

Escorted to the stage, Murrieta talent Brooke Pernice, 16, doesn’t let being blind stop her; she feels she has a calling.

“[My] music is a blessing from God,” Brooke says. She believes her purpose is to spread the word of God through her music.

Brooke and 36 other Southwest Riverside County hopefuls competed in the third annual Boys & Girls Club ‘Idol’ Competition held Sunday at the The "American Idol-"style contest is hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County and Rotary Club of Old Town Temecula.

“Originally, it was open to just Boys & Girls Clubs members to sing and dance. This year we’ve limited it strictly to singing, and (the competition) is open to the public,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County board member Steve Amante.

More than 180 area youth auditioned.

Sunday, the 37 semi-finalists took to the stage to compete for one of five finalist spots in each age group. Contestants ranged in age from 6 to 18, competing in age groups of 6-9 year olds, 10-13 years old and 14-18 years old.

Winners will receive cash and prizes in the final event, set for Sept. 25.

Last year’s finale at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater was sold out, with the majority of proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County.

“This year we are going for more celebrity judges for the final competition,” said Amante, mentioning that Erik Turner, of ’80s metal band Warrant, and KROQ radio personality Richard Blade, are slated to judge in the finals.

Contestants chose their own songs and performed with a soundtrack. For the final show the two older age groups will perform with a band.

Amante expects the final show to sell out fast.

“We sold over 300 tickets [for the semi-finals],” said Amante. However, the exact total was unclear.

“We ran out of physical tickets and had to stamp hands.”

Many in attendance Sunday were family and friends. Parents and longtime friends Michele Dolan and Monica Grefe came out to support their son and daughter, respectively. 

“Both her daughter, Jessica, and my son Damian are competing,” said Dolan. Both 17, they competed against each other. Neither made it to the finals but was proud of each other’s hard work.

“Even though they didn’t make it to the final, we are so proud of them,” Grefe said. "It takes a lot to get up on that stage and sing for a big audience. They won just for trying.”

No matter the outcome, Amante hopes it will be a pleasant experience they will learn from and never forget.

“Events like these teach them confidence and something to look forward to,” Amante said. “I can guarantee you all 15 finalists are excited to move on; it builds them up.”

Maryann Edwards, president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County, agrees.

“It teaches them to plan ahead by having to rehearse, and it gives them confidence and builds character,” Edwards said. “It teaches them to work hard to win, but that losing is OK too, as long as they tried their hardest.”

While performer Kaya Telles, 9, didn’t use the word confidence to express her feelings, she did notice a difference in how she felt performing.

“I get excited and nervous,” Kaya said. “I was still nervous and excited, but I knew when I got up there I would have fun.” She sang “Lights” by Journey and earned a spot in the finals. 

Brooke also landed a spot in the finals with a soulful rendition of “Carolina Morning."

“I am very excited to make it to the finals, especially with the group of people chosen,” Brooke said. “I couldn’t be happier.”

Proceeds from the event--including a fundraising competition in which friends and family can vote for their favorite audition online--benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County and Rotary of Old Town Temecula.

To learn more or to purchase tickets for the finals on Sept. 25, visit bgcidol.com.