WEST HAWAII TODAY | BIG ISLAND ENTERTAINMENT SCENE FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017 | 11 IDOL: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 when they become an adult, they would be a very good representative of the Hawaiian Idol,” he said. “And, hopefully that would be person that goes the nationals and brings home the first place title.” This year, Jr. Hawaiian Idol attracted 12 contestants between two age groups 8-13 and 14-20. That number includes 11 of the 14 contestants who took part in the inaugural event. “All the returnees, in that one year time from last year to this year, every one of them upped their game,” said Farm. “This is serious. Every single one of them was better than they were last year.” Tiya Cantiberos- Ontiveros, 19, is one of those repeats, returning to the competition because it was fun and something she really liked doing. “I definitely think whoever is looking for a new start or just to get a new start, it would be really good to do this,” she said. It also helped hone her skills. “It made my stage presence better,” she said before hitting the stage April 15 to sing “Play” by Rihanna. Isaac Carvalho, a 17-yearold Kealakehe High School student, echoed Cantiberos-Ontiveros. “It’s a really good, getting out there experience,” he said. “I’ve learned new things. Alana Johnson, a previous idol winner, gave me a few vocal tips. It’s awesome.” Jr. Hawaiian Idol winners received cash and various prizes, as well as the opportunity to perform at local events, including the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Lanihau Center’s tree lighting in December, and atop KBXtreme’s float in the 2016 Kailua-Kona Community Christmas Parade. The Jr. Hawaiian Idol winners also compete against the adults for the Fan Favorite award as voted on by the public via social media. ■ Isaac Carvalho listens to the judges reaction to his rendition of “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston at the Jr. Hawaiian Idol semifinals April 15 at KB Xtreme. LAURA RUMINSKI/WEST HAWAII TODAY
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