Russell Bowe of Homewood was voted winner of the 2011 Celebration Idol Contest at the 2011 Senior Celebration in the Park held in South Park.
Bowe was one of 10 contestants who performed their favorite ’60s song for a chance to be named the 2011 Celebration Idol.
Bowe crooned his way into the hearts of the judges and audience alike with his rendition of “My Girl” by the Temptations.
 |
| SINGING HIS HEART OUT—Russell Bowe performs at the Celebration Idol contest. |
“All of Celebration Idol’s contestants did a fabulous job,” said Ondréa Burton, Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Community Relations events and donations manager.
“The competition was a great success. Both the contestants and the guests enjoyed the experience and opportunity to share some of their favorite ’60s tunes.”
As the winner, Bowe was crowned at the event and donned 2011 Celebration Idol sash. He will also receive a recording session at the Emmy Award-winning recording studio, Ya Momz House, LLC located in East Liberty. Bowe will re-create the magic of his winning performance for his own CD.
Contestants were critiqued by guest judges Emmai Alaquiva, Founder, Ya Momz House, LLC; Joe Barker, DHS Area Agency on Aging; Judith Barricella, DHS Office of Community Relations, The Disability Connection; and Maddie Woods, Healthy Hearts and Souls.
The contestants were evaluated based on the quality of their performance, their costume and their overall stage presence. The guest judges picked the top four contestants and then the audience voted with applause for the winner.
Celebration Idol was emceed by Bernadette Turner, founder of the African American Leadership Association and Tim Stevens, founder of B-PEP. The music was provided for the contest by D.J. Big Ed from 2nd II None Productions.
Senior Celebration in the Park is an annual event that enriches the lives and celebrates the contributions of older Allegheny County residents by providing a resource fair, refreshments, live entertainment, prizes, contests and more.
The 2011 Senior Celebration in the Park was made possible through the generosity of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dignity and Respect Campaign, Fifth Third Bank, DHS Area Agency on Aging, and the County’s departments of parks, public works and special events.
(For more information about Senior Celebration in the Park, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/ DHS/seniorcelebration.aspx.)
About Post Author
