Can You Croon Like Blue Eyes? Sinatra 'Sing-Off' Contest Returns To Hoboken

HOBOKEN, NJ — How is a star born? Let SinaTracey Bentley of North Carolina tell you how he came to apply to Hoboken's "Sinatra Sing-Off" contest, taking place on the waterfront next week:

"In September, 2018, I turned 50 and decided I was too old to be scared of trying new things," the auto sales worker explains on the contest website. "I decided to face my fear of standing in front of people to sing. After driving by a local karaoke bar a number of Friday nights, I decided to go inside."

Now Bentley will be among 12 contestants from around the country competing to conjure Hoboken native Frank Sinatra better than anyone else.

The "Hoboken's My Way Sinatra Sing-Off" contest takes place in Hoboken each year, and has been renamed from "Sinatra Idol" after the American Idol folks got a little litigious. But the show will go on. (READ MORE: Makers Of 'Sinatra Idol' Threaten To Sue Hoboken)

Two Hoboken Contestants

Among other competitors — some from as far away as Texas — there will be two Hoboken residents, and two residents of other New Jersey towns.

Among Hoboken residents, Alex Pelle moved here last year and says he's been singing since childhood, but "recently got more into Sinatra when my grandmother requested I sing for her at her 90th birthday party."

And Damian Powell says, "I am told 'New York, New York' is one of my best numbers, and that I even resemble Sinatra somewhat!"

Watch them conjure the crooner and cheer for your favorite. The judges will choose a winner to shower with donated prizes.

The event kicks off Thursday, June 23 at 6:30 at Sinatra Park (of course) on the central waterfront, 525 Sinatra Drive (of course).

Find out more information here.