Three Move on to Final Round of Freehold Idol

Freehold Idol returned to the front of the Hall of Records Wednesday night. Eight performers competed to move on to the final round, but only three made the cut.

The event was co-hosted by Lisa Anderson and Randy Davis of 107.1 FM The Breeze. This week’s judging team included Freehold Borough Arts Council President Neal Girandola, singer Brenda K. Starr, and Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts founder Joe Orlando.

In the 10 to 14 age group, Sofia LoMonaco, of Marlboro, showed off a voice that seemed well beyond her 12 years. LoMonaco’s performance of “Beauty and the Beast” bought her a ticket to the finals.

Avery Mandeville, 16, of Lincroft, sang “First Day of My Life” and played guitar to win the 15 to 22 age group.

Bill Gagliardi, 70, of Lakewood, came out on top for the 23 and over age group. Gagliardi, a singer and actor who appeared in five episodes of “The Sopranos,” covered “Luck Be a Lady” from the musical Guys and Dolls.

After the evening’s competition finished, Freehold’s Lianah Sta. Ana performed Beyonce’s “Halo” and Jessy J.’s “Price Tag.” Sta. Ana has performed in Madison Square Garden and won the “Stars of Tomorrow” contest at the Apollo Theater. The crowd of approximately 75 clapped along with Sta. Ana during “Halo” as they waited for the judges’ results.

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. Freehold Idol is sponsored by Downtown Freehold, the business partnership in Freehold Borough.