Trish Keporos took the top crown in the 12th annual Windy City Gay Idol finals June 25 at Mayne Stage in Rogers Park. Thirteen singers competed in the finals.
The singing competition, sponsored by Windy City Times, featured three rounds of songs, with the top vote getters advancing to the next round. Chicago newcomers nagged the first runner-up and second runner-up positions: Timothy Schoenmann and Paige Man Waring, respectively.
Thirteen singers competed in the finals, joined by special guest singer Karen Mason and burlesque performer Michelle L'amour.
Trish originally competed at the 3160 Club. Paige came from Progress Bar and Timothy from Sofo Tap.
The finals concert also featured guest performances by Broadway star and Mac Award Winner Karen Mason, who performed her marriage equality song, It's About Time, and international burlesque performer Michelle L'amour and the 2013 Windy City Gay Idol, Maria Pahl.
Guest judges were 2014 Jeff Award-winning Chicago director Lili-Anne Brown, Second City improvisor/actor/director Mitchell Fain, and actor/singer/director Rob Lindley. Sofia Saffire hosted.
The finals winner crowned at Mayne Stage was awarded a prize package worth more than $7,500 including $1,000 in cash, a 6 day/5-night trip to Curacao (including airfare), Smirnoff gift basket, an Ipad mini, theater and concert tickets, performance opportunities, plus the coveted title of Windy City Gay Idol 2014. Keporos was kind enough to split her cash winnings with her runners-up.
The 2014 Windy City Gay Idol Premium sponsor was Smirnoff. Other Sponsors include Ketel One, Tanqueray, Don Julio, Creaoke, Broadway in Chicago, American Airlines, SpeedPro Printing, Ravinia, Mini of Chicago, and Thompson Hotels. Plus Travel Partners: American Airlines and the Island of Curacao.
Many photos to come at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/photospreadthumbs.php .
Videos by Tracy Baim
Windy City Times: 2014 Windy City Gay Idol Finals: Winner Trish www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: 2014 Windy City Gay Idol Finals: Winner Trish www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: 2014 Windy City Gay Idol Finals: 2nd Place Tim www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: 2014 Windy City Gay Idol Finals: 2nd Place Tim: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: 2014 Windy City Gay Idol Finals: 3rd Place Paige : www.youtube.com/watch .