: Crooner Gabriel Russo of Georgia was the winner of the 8th annual Sinatra Idol Contest on Thursday, June 12.
Russo won in a sing-off over Charles Stayduhar Jr. of Pittsburgh, Pa., after the two had tied following judges’ voting. Russo’s rendition of “Come Fly with Me” clinched the victory for him.
Thirteen others competed, including the contest’s first ever woman entrant. In addition to Georgia, the performers hailed from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Florida.
Contestants representing Hudson County were Humphrey Uddoh of Jersey City and Joe Vozzella of Bayonne.
Guttenberg’s Mario Cruz, last year’s winner, began the evening with a performance and passed the trophy on to the 2014 winner. – Joseph Passantino
I was shocked that he won. Sinatra is such an Icon, I think it was an insult to the man himself.
There were a few other contestants that sang on key and had his mannerisms down.
Thinking the judge selection should be singers that are very familiar with Sinatra. And,the judges should not be Hoboken residents.
The contest would be more honest and with integrity that this one lacked.