Cesair sings her heart out

Nicole Cesair has sung herself into a year filled with bragging rights, $2,000 in cash and a hamper courtesy Carib Brewery. Frankie’s Bar on Tumpuna Road in Arima was busy with activity last  Wednesday night when the popular watering hole held the final round of its annual karaoke competition before a packed house. After five weeks or preliminaries the contest went straight to a final consisting of ten contestants.

Cesair’s song of choice was Bob Marley’s Redemption Song. In the second round, all contestants had to randomly pick a song. The eventual winner had chosen Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody. A professional parang singer, Cesair stated: “I only entered the competition to support my friend Grace Kelly. I never expected to win.” Grace Kelly was also in the final but couldn’t give her songs true justice because of a sore throat. She showed great sportsmanship by completing her two songs and got great commendation from the audience for completing the competition.

Contestant number nine and crowd favourite Sofia “Spice” La Foucade would be pleased with a second place finish and being $1,000 richer. Her first performance was the only one that got most persons attention. While seating her male companion on the middle of the stage area, she sang Alicia Keys’ Unthinkable. The sexually charged performance had the gentleman smiling from ear to ear for the entire performance, and why wouldn’t he. Contestants were judged on song integrity, style, vocal or singing quality and audibility. Self-proclaimed “People Champion”, Rodney “Benjai” Le Blanc, who is an occasional patron, gave a spontaneous performance, much to the appreciation of everyone. Calypsonian Cro Cro also was seen at the venue.