2 Manalapan Winners in First Round of Freehold Idol

A little hail wasn’t about to stop area singers from competing in the first round of Freehold Idol Wednesday evening. Instead of performing in front on the Hall of Records, the crooners took their talents to the where Freehold Borough Arts Council President Neal Girandola, singer Brenda K. Starr, and Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts founder Joe Orlando judged them.

The winners were Amanda Fugel, of Manalapan, in the 15 to 22 age group and Frances Jorgensen, of Lakewood, in the 23 and above age group. Bibilouri sang “Reflection,” Fugel chose “Mirror,” and Jorgensen performed “If He Walked Into My Life.”

The two singers will move on to the final round, which will be held Wednesday, Aug. 17 and Wednesday, Aug. 24. The first place winner in each age group will receive $500 and recording time at the Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts; the second place winner will receive $250; and the third place winner will receive $100. Freehold Idol is sponsored by Downtown Freehold, the business partnership in Freehold Borough.