By Dan Murphy
Congratulations to 2018 Yonkers Idol Nicole Nukho and Junior Idol Brandon Hernandez!
Nicole and Brandon were the winners of the Yonkers Idol Search Finale held at Lincoln High School on April 28. This is the 11th year of the Yonkers Idol competition, which has quickly become one of the city’s most popular events for young performers to showcase their talent.
This year’s Idol competition was also the first time that a young man, Brandon Hernandez, was able to break through and win one of the titled of Yonkers Idol. As usual, the competition was tough, with each of the 10 finalists stepping onto the state and giving their best.
Congratulations to all of the finalists!
Junior Idol finalists, ages 10 to 14: Olivia Glogowski, Amanda Gentile, Mary-lynn Israel, Gabrielle Schnorbus, Aaliyah Sydnor, Kalyna Kuzemczak and Brandon Hernandez.
Idol finalists, age 15 to 19: Amara Valerio, Janice Mofus, Nicole Nukho, Kristian Kirkland and Zaina Shleiwet.
The Junior Idols were given one song to perform, while Yonkers Idols were given two chances to impress the judges – many of whom have been listening to, and grading the performances on more than 100 Idol finalists for 11 years.
The judges included Steve Sansone, Yon Zwiebon, Peter Dilorio, Joyce Henery, Olivia Hunter, Ron Masciandaro, Victor La Gamma.
Yonkers First Lady Mary Calvi was the mistress of ceremonies for the evening, and special guests were 2017 Yonkers Idol Samantha Rentas and Junior Idol Ada Victoria Israel.
The 2018 Yonkers Idol and Junior Idol each received a $1,000 cash prize from the Untermyer Performing Arts Council’s Theresa Fund. Theresa Sansone was a lifelong Yonkers resident who was educated in the Yonkers Public Schools and who had a special place in her heart for children and their performing arts talents.
Mayor Mike Spano and UPAC made the presentation of the awards after the winners were announced.
Special thanks to The Homefield Deli for donating food for the contestants during the rehearsals and to Top Class Limousine for providing the finalists with a spectacular ride to the finale, making it a true, red carpet experience.
Thanks to the Yonkers Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department for its efforts, and thanks to the rehearsal staff of Sarah Hasso, MJ Territo and Elisha Ivory for donating their time and expertise in getting all of the finalist ready for a great show.
Yonkers Idol Nicole Nukho and Junior Idol Brandon Hernandez will now hold their titles for one year and will be performing at special events and ceremonies throughout the City of Yonkers.
