Live music competition returned to the Main Dining Room for the first time in 3 years. The excitement of a live performance and four weeks of creative competition had been missed by the crowd, judges and singers alike. Nine vocalists took the stage on opening night to capture the prize money and title of 2023 Rock Star. All 9 contestants advanced to round #2. The March 8th semifinals featured 6 singers, each performing twice (artists from Buble’ to Queen, genres from country to oldies to Disney). Judges Eric Mills, Serena Rogers and Kevin Kramer scored each performance in categories such as stage presence, eye contact, pitch, vocal range and more. At the end of each week, each member of the audience got to vote for their favorite contestant.
State Farm Agent Jessica Strauch sponsored the “Fan Favorite” providing a $100 prize per week. Savanna Sondergroth (Week #1), Larry Kohr (Week #2), TJ Martin (Week #3) and Raul Contreras won in the finals.
Raul Contreras was named the winner of Rock Star 2023. Click here to see videos of all 4 finals night performances of their original song (lyrics were provided by the judges) are on our YouTube Channel (starvedrockvideo). His lively stage presence and creative execution of the lyrics earned him extra points.
Judges were Eric Mills, Kevin Kramer and Serena Rogers. Euclid Beverage, co-sponsor, provided weekly beer specials, door prizes and paid 1/3 of the total event cost. Starved Rock Lodge hosted the 4-week long event in the Main Dining Room in collaboration with Starved Rock Media.
Jaimie London was the Emcee. She did an excellent job of moving the shows along with her witty and humorous personality. Jaimie works for the radio station and Starved Rock Lodge! The First place winner received $500 and a trophy, 2nd place wins $250 and a trophy, 3rd place won $100 and a trophy. 4th place earned an Honorable Mention Certificate and a $50 Starved Rock Lodge Gift Card.
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