Freehold Singer Takes Third in WAC's NJ Idol

Alexa Pantaleo, of , took third in the Watchung Arts Center 2012 NJ IDOL vocal competition.

The competition drew 35 singers from all areas of New Jersey including Newark, Nutley, Toms River and Bridgewater to the Feb. 18 auditions. Of those, 20 advanced to the semi-finals, held Feb. 25, from which 10 finalists were named.

The finals took place Saturday at the Watchung Arts Center, a multi-disciplinary arts facility serving Watchung and the surrounding communities and the Tri-State Area.

The sold out Finals Performance included Charisa Dowe, Newark; Alexa Pantaleo, Freehold; Sara E. Pike, Madison; Juliette Reilly, Berkeley Heights; Analisa Rotella, Denville; Cecilia Salvino, Branchburg; Ruth Sariah, Watchung; Alice Tuberty-Vaughan, Gillette; Destiny Tucker, Lopatcong; Jessie Villa, Mendham. 

The first place winner, Jesse Villa, of Mendham, received a $500 cash prize, provided by the Watchung Arts Center. Watchung's Ruth Sariah was named the runner-up and received a two-hour recording session with S.R.A. Studios of Scotch Plains. The third-place Pantaleo received a formal publicity portrait with photography done by Nancy Ori in Berkeley Heights.

All three finalists will also receive a half-hour career consultation by Music City East, LLC. 

Judging the competition was done by recording artist Lisa Coppola, hit songwriter Lisa Drew, entertainment attorney Lou Takacs, and songwriter/producer/manager Mark D. Conklin.

This event is not associated or affiliated with American Idol, its sponsors, producers or participants.