Students compete to be ‘Miller Idol’

By Frances Vanderploeg

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 | midnight

Whether it's a popularity contest or a talent contest depends on whom you ask, but one thing is for sure: "Miller Idol" at Bob Miller Middle School is possibly one of the most nerve-wracking events for more than 100 of Miller's students.

Three judges have been whittling the students down since the week of Sept. 8, when teacher and coordinator Erin Alloway estimated she saw nearly 30 students each day.

Though she didn't judge — she left that up to choir teacher Jen Andrus and P.E. teachers Karen Robertus and Mary Ann Hopper — Alloway did sit in on each of the auditions.

"I was really blown away by a lot of people," she said.

After the first day, she named Breanna Manzo, a sixth grader, as one of the students she was most impressed with.

"She's the littlest girl, but she can belt out some tunes," Alloway said.

Manzo stuttered a bit when discussing whether she thought she would do well in the competition but ultimately decided she was confident in herself and her singing abilities. Despite being a sixth grader, she said, she thought she had a shot at making it to the top five.

"I guess my voice is OK — is good, I guess," she said shyly.

But later, she offered to sing for nearly anyone who would listen, and the strong voice she boasted when they took her up on the offer was enough to quell any inhibitions.

A few eighth graders who made it to the top five last year returned for another shot. Paige Tice, 13, said she finished in fourth place last year. Her runner-up placement was enough to motivate her return this year, she said.

"I really want to win first," she said.

Paige said she was worried after hearing a few of the sixth graders perform. There was a lot of talent to compete against this year, she said.

She knows the judges are looking for a whole package, though, not just someone who can sing, so she's been working on her moves at home.

Alloway said the judges base their scores on overall stage performance, key and pitch, tone and the ability to adjust the song to their voice. Last year, it came down to one point between those who made it to the top 25 and those who didn't. Ultimately, the extra point was because of greater stage performance, she said.

The top 10 auditioned live over Miller's broadcast system Sept. 24. Students voted on their favorite contestant to choose the top five and, ultimately, the winner.

Alloway keeps the winner a secret, not even informing her administrators, until it's announced at the final event, she said.

That will be in the gym the evening of Oct. 1, and the top five will perform before the winner is announced. Tickets cost $1 at the door, and prizes include trophies and gift cards — $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

Frances Vanderploeg can be reached at 990-2660 or [email protected].