Pack Ratt Louie's manager Peter Beauchamp, looking resplendent in red bow tie and dinner jacket, welcomed the nearly 200 guests to the finale of Sunshine Coast Idol last Friday evening with: "We're gonna rock this town like it's never been rocked before."
The audience, who had spilled into Sunnycrest Mall to sit at banquet tables for the gala occasion, cheered agreement. After eight weeks of competition, some-one would be crowned Sunshine Coast Idol.
The top contenders, Melody Ondzik, Bob Shaw and Shauntelle Nichols, who had sung their hearts out for votes from judges and audience on the previous Tuesday, did not know which of them would claim the $10,000 value prize package that included recording studio time, a CD cover and photos.
My friend, the guy on the next bar stool, who has attended every one of the eight Idol evenings and kept careful notes, gave me his sage opinion: "Melody should take it," he said. "She's so good now."
Judge Verna Chan, who inspired and organized the event, recalled that the youngest competitor, Ondzik, initially possessed less confidence than the others.
"She did, however, display a really unique style - both personally and vocally - that was evident from her very first audition," Chan said. The judge added that once Ondzik relaxed in front of the audience, her growth over the weeks was really exciting to witness. For the gala evening, many of the previous contestants performed with the Idol Guys band. Brian Rooney, who was voted out in the first elimination round, has a great voice that we hope to hear at future concerts. Diane Maddrell sang an old blues song and, like the words say, "chills run up and down my spine." She's got energy to spare. Lori Morris honoured the season of Jesus and, with her husband Jeff on drums, sang This Baby. Cliff Jasper sang American Pie, and everyone - I mean everyone - in the audience knew the words and sang along.
Wendy Rubin from CKAY-FM put in a guest vocal appearance. She was a judge, not a contestant. Too bad - with her rich, textured voice, she might have won. Talented Crystal Spence wowed the crowd, and Rachel Manley, who had previously confessed she didn't want the contest to be over, belted out an Aretha style blues. Sean Morton, whose vital style cannot be contained on a small stage, got folks dancing. He was followed by Mark Brezer with Folsom Prison.
Then it was time for the top three.
"Spicy" (as the judges referred to her) Ondzik had more than a few fans in the crowd as she entertained in a Maria Muldaur style voice. Shaw let it rip with a Bon Jovi song, It's My Life. Good stuff, Bob. Nichols slowed the pace for a lovely ballad.
After the many thank yous to sponsors, organizers, staff and band, the host, Chelsea Crawford, told the audience that the local Strait Sound Studio had decided to donate recording time to the top three in the spirit of helping with their musical careers. It was welcome news. Chan commented that all three are good vocalists and entertainers.
The drums rolled. The second runner up was announced: Shaw. The two young women, Nichols and Ondzik, took the stage, Crawford fumbled with the envelope, then - just like my friend said - Melody Ondzik, 20, from Halfmoon Bay was crowned Sunshine Coast Idol.
Reached at home after the gala, Ondzik said the contest really brought her out of her shell. She had sung in the choir in elementary school and studied music with vocalist Shelley Dillon, but had never considered a musical career before this.
"Now, I just want to find some musicians to jam with on the Coast," she said. After making friends with the other contestants who, she says, supported one another, she is sad that the competition is finally over. But her career is just beginning.
