East Hanover Vocalist Claims Art Center's 'Idol' Prize

East Hanover's Danielle Bellomo was named the Watchung Arts Center's New Jersey Idol for 2013, Saturday, concluding a four-week competition for vocalists between 15 and 29 that started with a field of 20 semi-finalists.

Saturday's finals included judging by audience members, who selected the three finalists after each performed a song. The three finalists—Alice Tuberty-Vaughan, of Gillette, Freddie Bourne, of Union Beach, and Bellomo—then performed again for judges Lisa Coppola, entertainment attorney Lou Takacs, Esq., and songwriter/producer/manager Mark D. Conklin.

Bellomo claimed the top prize ($500 cash awarded by the WAC) after the judges deliberated.

Tuberty-Vaughan won second prize (a two-hour recording session with S.R.A. Studios, of Scotch Plains) and Freddie Bourne took home third place (and winning a formal publicity portrait by photographer Nancy Ori, in Berkeley Heights).

Both the Watchung Arts Center and the judges would like to congratulate ALL the gifted vocalists who participated in the 2013 NJ IDOL as well as the volunteers without whom this event would not be possible.  Volunteers included Alex Canady, WHRHS Photographer, Alex Carr, WHRHS Audio, Kaileigh Gannon, Volunteer, Minna Gannon, WHRHS Photographer, Mike Gorczyca,  WHRHS Audio, Bim Semmling, Volunteer, Diane Semmling, Volunteer, Tim Semmling, Volunteer, Gabe Waldman, WHRHS Video, and Soprano/Vocal Coach Rosemarie Flores, whos erved as a guest judge at the auditions.

This event is not associated or affiliated with American Idol, its sponsors, producers or participants.