New Judges, Same Tough Competition at Freehold Idol

The third round of Freehold Idol featured new faces at the judging table but the same tough competition at the microphone.

Radio personality Randy Davis of WWZY, The Breeze and Lee Ottman, front man for the popular 1980s band NRG, joined singer Brenda K. Starr to judge six performers in front of the Hall of Records building in Freehold Wednesday night.

Only three crooners were selected to move on to the next stage of the competition. Billy Lee Lubeck, 75, of Manahawkin wowed the judges with his cover of the Frank Sinatra classic “I Have Dreamed.”

“This is the best Frank Sinatra cover I’ve heard by anyone,” Starr said. She urged Lubeck to consider recording.

Alexa Pantaleo, 16, of Freehold, came out in a stunning peach gown and delivered a polished performance of The Beatles’ “Oh Darlin’” that won her first place in the 15 to 22 age group.

Lincroft resident Leah Nawy, 10, proved her mettle when she stood before the microphone and sang Billy Joel’s “Vienna” in front of the crowd of approximately 75 people. Nawy won the 10- to 14-year-old category.

The three singers will move on to the final round, which will be held Wednesday, Aug. 17 and Wednesday, Aug. 24. The first place winner in each age group will receive $500 and recording time at the Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts; the second place winner will receive $250; and the third place winner will receive $100.

As the judges tallied up the votes, Veronica Kole, 16, of Freehold, closed out the evening with covers of Christina Aguilera and Pink songs, as well as an original song titled “Ready for You.” The talented teen co-wrote the song with Starr, who is her teacher.

Freehold Idol will return Wednesday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Hall of Records building.