The Competitors and the Competition
Twelve talented ETAs started the competition hoping to make it to the next round: Lee Alexander, Bruno Nesci, Joey Cundari, Eric Evangelista, James Gibb, Dave Weaver, Emilio Santoro, Anthony Joseph, Zach Peddie, Justin Francois, Roy Leblanc, and John Cigan.
I mentioned in an previous post, “2022 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival: Album One”, that Steve Michaels filled in for Bill Cherry as a headliner. Well, there was a last minute change in the line-up of competitors. Replacing Richard Wolfe, from Hamilton, ON, was seasoned performer, ETA John Cigan.
I wish I could have been present to see all the competitors perform, but I was unable to attend on Saturday. Fortunately, I have seen many of them compete at other competitions; and I met Justin Francois from Ontario and the UK’s Emilio Santoro for the first time on Friday night at the NFEF after show party. The only ETA whom I was not able to connect with was Roy Leblanc. I remember Roy from his emcee work at Collingwood, and I have watched him perform in YouTube videos in preparation for his upcoming interview; but it would have been nice to see him perform live.
And then there were Eight…
〰️Emilio Santoro, Anthony Joseph, Justin Francois, James Gibb, Lee Alexander, Bruno Nesci, John Cigan, Roy LeBlanc
〰️Emilio Santoro, Anthony Joseph, Justin Francois, James Gibb, Lee Alexander, Bruno Nesci, John Cigan, Roy LeBlanc
I arrived in time on Sunday for the gospel show, the headliner show, and the final competition between the top five. And what a competition it was!
〰️Congratulations to the Top Five: Anthony Joseph, Lee Alexander, Bruno Nesci, James Gibb, Emilio Santoro!
〰️Congratulations to the Top Five: Anthony Joseph, Lee Alexander, Bruno Nesci, James Gibb, Emilio Santoro!
Guest judge, Robbie Lane, from Zoomer Radio, at Collingwood, 2019. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.
Each competitor performed three consecutive Elvis songs in front of a panel of judges that included Bonnie Jussila, Wendy King, Marcus Wells, Tony Sciara, Rosemarie Garrity O’Brien, and special guest judge, Zoomer radio’s on-air personality, Robbie Lane.
Unlike other competitions that I have been to, the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival does not divide competitors into groups. There are no pro, non-pro, or youth categories; everyone competes equally, vying for first, second, and third place honours. A fourth award, the People’s Choice, is presented to the ETA whom audience members declare their favourite ETA in the competition by casting votes via ballots.
〰️Thank you to our judges: Bonnie Jussila, Wendy King, Marcus Wells, Tony Sciara, Rosemarie Garrity O'Brien
〰️Thank you to our judges: Bonnie Jussila, Wendy King, Marcus Wells, Tony Sciara, Rosemarie Garrity O'Brien
Fans wait to see how their favourite ETA placed in the finale of the two day competition. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.
Once the five ETAs completed their final round of songs, the judges’ marks were taken by runners to Sue Harris who tabulated the marks. Competitors had to wait until after the headliner show to learn their fate in the competition. Each performer brought their best to the stage, so it was going to be a very close decision. I would not want to be a judge, as I felt each of the five deserved to win one of the top spots. Five competitors, three prizes—sadly, two fantastic ETAs were not going to place in the top three.
After the headliner show featuring Dean Z, the five competitors were called to the stage. Emcee Victor J Hanson announced the third place winner as Lee Alexander, leaving James Gibb, Emilio Santoro, Bruno Nesci, and Anthony Joseph wondering their fate in the competition. There was much at stake since the winner of the EPE sanctioned Niagara Falls Elvis Festival represents the festival at the Ultimate in Memphis. If the winner has already won a golden ticket in another competition, the second place winner has the privilege of going to Tennessee.
UK ETA Emilio Santoro accepts his People’s Choice award from Ultimate ETA Dean Z at the 2022 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur for SIDEBURNS Magazine..
It was apparent that ETA Bruno Nesci was in pain as he accepted his golden ticket to Memphis, TN.
A genuinely happy Emilio Santoro was announced as the People’s Choice winner and minutes later, the second place winner. (Interestingly, the audience always seems to vote for one of the top three for the People’s Choice award). The excitement was palpable as Anthony, James, and Bruno waited for first place to be announced. Finally, if you haven’t already heard, Bruno won first place. In a strange twist of fate, and after singing “Hurt” as one of his three songs, Bruno hobbled onto the stage obviously hurt. One source said that he had tripped over a cement step on the way into the building and twisted his knee. He looked like he was in a lot of pain; but ever the pro, Bruno accepted his trophy from Dean and flowers from Deb, and refused to do his victory song seated on the stool that was provided. Afterwards, while getting a photo taken with Emilio, Bruno joked that Emilio pushed him backstage. LOL
All in good fun, First Place winner, Bruno Nesci, points a finger at Second Pace winner, Emilio Santoro, for causing his injury at the 2022 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine: The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine.
All five competitors stayed after the competition to mingle with friends and families. It was nice to see Dean Z, Ted Torres Martin, and Steve Michaels hanging out with fans, chatting, and posing numerous times for photos. It created a beautiful atmosphere for the ending of the four day Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. See you next year! C.M.
A Few “Friendly” Photos from the 2022 NFEF
Photo Credit for judge Bonnie Jussila: Louis Young. “Friendly” photos credited to Carolyn MacArthur.