Judges Select 2011 Freehold Idol Winners

Freehold Idol judges selected winners in front of the Hall of Records building in Downtown Freehold Wednesday in the first of the local singing contest’s two-part finale.

Judges Neal Girandola, president of the Freehold Borough Arts Council; Joe Orlando, founder of Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts; and area rock musician Jo Wymer, who recently released her first album “Living With Scars,” had to choose first second and third place winners in two age categories. The singers in the competition won in their respective age groups in previous rounds to advance to the finals.

The 23 years old and above age group featured eight performances, but ultimately only one crooner could be crowned “Freehold Idol.” Nicole Epps, 27, of Ocean Township, won over the audience and the judges with her rendition of “Feeling Good.” Billy Lee Lubeck, 75, of Manahawkin, came in second place with his performance of “I Have Dreamed.” Third place went to Nicole Salerno, 28, of Jackson, who sang “At Last.”

Ties in previous weeks led to a crowded 15- to 22-year-old category, featuring 14 performances. Freehold resident Samantha Mancino, 17, won out with her rendition of “House of the Rising Sun.” Damian Otchere, 15, of East Orange, took second place with the song “I Believe.” Katherine McCuster, 20, of Forked River, landed third place with her performance of “Last Name.”

Epps and Mancino walked away with $500 and recording time at the Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts. Lubeck and Otchere won $250, while Salerno and McCuster took home $100.

Finalists in the 10- to 14-year-old age group will compete Wednesday, Aug. 24 in the last week of Freehold Idol.