Local Youth Showcase Talent at Levittown Idol

More than 20 children brought their talents to Levittown Hall Sunday afternoon for the Levittown Historical Society's second annual Levittown Idol.

Children from Levittown and Island Trees schools competed in age groups ranging from six to 15 as proud parents cheered them on.

"It's nice to have a place for kids to express their talents outside of school," said Bob Koenig, local musician, president of the Hicksville Historical Society and emcee of the event. "It gives them a start in trying something. If they have the guts to be doing this at this point, it will spur on their talents." 

Sisters Mikayla and Mia Bacani sang a duet to Mikayla's piano medley of Travie McCoy's "Billionaire" and Train's "Hey, Soul Sister", Louie Sabino showed off his Usher-like dance moves and Orianna Daviero had the audience singing and raising their hands to her rendition of Taio Cruz's "Dynamite".

Frieda Prosono sang an acapella version of Billy Joel's "Honesty", Jessica Tolve entertained the crowd with more than three full minutes of hula hooping, and Billie Paige Tantoum dressed up in full 1980's garb and danced, baton twirled and hula hooped to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper.

Lindsay Oberman stretched her pipes to hit the high notes in Donna Summer's "Last Dance", and the Levittown Twirlers ended the show with a bang.

Koenig was impressed with the acts that the children put on, but he also praised their parents for pushing them to reveal their talents.

"I'd like to thank the Levittown parents for knowing your kids are talented and for bringing them out," he said.

The event was a hit with parents.

"This was very cute and well organized," said Bette Leto, whose daughter Jessica sang Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck without You. "Things like this build confidence and self-esteem."

Tom Davniero, whose daughter Orianna took home first place for the six year old division, said the event was amazing to watch.

"The kids – their self-esteem is through the roof," he said. "They are all smiling – and the parents really made it great by clapping for all of the kids and supporting them."

Polly Dwyer and Daphne Rus, both members of the Levittown Historical Society, were the judges for the contest.

The Winners

Age 6: Orianna Davniero 

Ages 7 and 8: Louie Sabino 

Age 9: Harlee Torres 

Age 10: Jennifer Hores

Ages 11 and 12: Billie Paige Tantoum

Ages 13 to 15: Lindsay Oberman

Cathy Manton, member of the Levittown Historical Society and chairperson of the event, said she was happy with the turnout and looking forward to the third edition of Levittown Idol.

"It was great today. We had a great turnout and it was a big morale booster for the kids, she said. "Get ready because we will be here next year."