Chasing their karaoke dreams

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Al Waterson, a kingpin of karaoke in Honolulu's nightlife, believes his "Al Waterson and You" Talent Search 2003 at Don Ho's Island Grill provides a window of opportunity to those who want to be somebody. A singing star, for instance.

Nine finalists (see list at right) have been picked so far; the 10th was named Wednesday night, too late for inclusion here. The run-off will be next Wednesday at Don Ho's Island Grill.

The winner will earn a slot on a Don Ho gig, with daughter Hoku, Dec. 21 and 22 at Sam's Town in Las Vegas, as well as a recording contract with Jon de Mello's Mountain Apple Company.

"I always make sure our singers — whether they're amateur or semi-professional — get to perform in a professional setting," said Waterson. "You gotta have a stage, lights and sound — not just sing in a dark bar. You have to make people shine."

And shine they did, he said of the roster of competitors, who come from all walks of life with a common goal: to achieve, to get a recording out.

Waterson has been fronting karaoke formats for 19 years, most recently at Don Ho's Island Grill, earlier at Fisherman's Wharf.

"Everyone has stars in their eyes," he said of the ongoing interest in karaoke. And TV shows such as "American Idol," "Star Search" and "Hawai'i's Stars" fuel the interest.

"All these shows provide a window of opportunity," said Waterson.

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055.

The finalists

Amado Cacho, February.

• Occupation: Owns Internet marketing company.
• Singing since: 7.
• Career highlight: For five years, was cast member of a "Miss Saigon" national touring company.
• Quote: "I am thrilled to be sharing the stage with all these amazing entertainers ... and looking forward to giving my best performance."

Tahiti Fernandez, March.

• Occupation: Retail manager at Mac Co. in Kona.
• Singing since: 7.
• Career highlight: Singing for her father's (Augie Rey) 60th birthday celebration.
• Quote: "I love singing and making people smile."

Benjamin Cross, April.

• Occupation: System analyst computer programmer.
• Singing since: 1.
• Career highlight: Singing to his wife, Tiffany, at their wedding.
• Quote: "Singing at the finals is an opportunity of a lifetime."

Rita Yaber, May.

• Occupation: Electrical engineer. technician representative for naval P-3 aircraft.
• Singing since: 5.
• Career highlight: Singing a tune her mother taught her — at her funeral.
• Quote: "It is unbelievable to be actually singing in a contest where I will be heard by legends like Don Ho."

Alison Maldonado, June.

• Occupation: Personnel specialist in the Hawai'i Air National Guard.
• Singing since: 9.
• Career highlight: Singing the national anthem at the 50th anniversary of the Korean War veterans at Punchbowl in 1998.
• Quote: "I feel the finals is a great opportunity to showcase Hawai'i's talent."

Lisa Lehua Taylor, July.

• Occupation: Sales.
• Singing since: 5.
• Career highlight: Singing and touring in Japan and other countries.
• Quote: "I'm honored to be in the company of such great talent."

Sandy Kinoshita, August.

• Occupation: Wholesale coordinator at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina.
• Singing since: 16.
• Career highlight: Singing the national anthem at the Great Aloha Run three years ago.
• Quote: "Being a part of the finals is an awesome, exciting experience."

Katie Leiva, September.

• Occupation: Campus college chairwoman for general and professional studies at yhe University of Phoenix.
• Singing since: 4.
• Career highlight: Winning her first Po'okela Award — Best Leading Female in a Musical, "Song of Singapore."
• Quote: "It was an unexpected and pleasant surprise to be in the finals."

Christina Youngs, October.

• Occupation: Student at Windward Community College and a courtesy clerk at Safeway.
• Singing since: 12.
• Career highlight: Singing at the Hawai'i Theatre for a Christian concert with her sister a few years ago.
• Quote: "This is the best competition I have ever experienced!"

The November finalist was selected Wednesday night, after our press deadline.