Delco Idol Week 3: Deeper Meaning

The Delco Idol contest continues to be a "note worthy" two hours of entertainment on Wednesday evenings during the summer. This week's competition, held July 25, also placed the focus on lyrics.

Several competitors fumbled words during their song interpretations ranging from pop to Broadway choices (the singer's choose songs on their own with no assistance from the theatre in that aspect of the contest). Others allowed their talents to shine with difficult and "wordy" numbers such as Stephen Sondheim's "The Miller's Son" which Jenna Sharples, 15, of Berwyn took on.

An interesting angle of the contest is Jesse Cline's interviews with the vocalists following their performances. Cline is the Artistic Director for the theatre and the one constant judge throughout the summer. The audience is treated to impromptu moments in which spontaneous conversation occurs between he and the singers.

Since the contestants choose the songs on their own, Cline will, at times, ask them, 'Why did you choose this particular song?' or 'What does the song mean?'

Several contestants had no idea what they were singing about. Responses ranged from, "I don't know, but I like the song." to "I saw the song on YouTube" and even "Uhm, I really have no idea but it's fun to sing."

Here in lies the lesson learned to those who did not make it through to Round 4 and even to those who did (keeping in mind there are 10 competitors eliminated following the fourth round as Delco Idol heads into the finals): A performer, singer, or actor should--one would assume--not sing a song unless they are sure of its meaning. The lyrics should tell the story.

Then again, there are the current or recent pop and country songs competitors choose, which in this day and age seem to be built on cliche or the type of quotes one would see in a Hallmark greeting card such as "You're My Hero," "Taking Chances," and Christina Aguilera's "Hurt." The songs may be performed well, but what do they mean? Well, the title pretty much says it all. Even so, how the song applies to each individual performer--and not the person who made it famous--becomes extremely valuable and valid.

ELIMINATIONS

Contestants who will not return for Week Four of Delco Idol are: Danielle Brown, 19, of Media; Rhiannon Charney, 15, of Boothwyn; Savanna Dysard, 16, of Glen Mills; Breyanna Lewis, 14, of Clifton Heights; and Madison Martin, 15, of Rutledge. All talented performers--Sometimes, it just comes down to song choice.

The remaining 25 contestant are listed at http://mediatheatre.org/SiteResources/Data/Templates/WebFormLayout2.asp?docid=681&DocName=Delco%20Idol%20Voting