Published in the May 3, 2017 edition
TALENTED SINGERS Brie Giamarco (second from left) and Giuliana Guarracino (center) were crowned the winners of the sixth Lynnfield Idol April 25. The singers were presented with prizes from judges Karen Nascembeni and Tom Page. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Two talented singers won the sixth Lynnfield Idol competition April 25.
Lynnfield High School junior Brie Giamarco won the High School Division of the competition. Sixth grader Giuliana Guarracino won the Middle School Division. The students received Visa gift cards as prizes for winning the competition.
Giamarco sang two songs during Lynnfield Idol. She began the show performing a rendition of Joshua Radin’s “Paperweight.” She concluded the show with a cover of Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.”
“I was definitely surprised,” said Giamarco in a phone interview with the Villager the day after winning the competition’s High School Division. “I have been singing since I was in fourth grade when I did musical theater. I stopped for a while, but I started singing again when I joined chorus in high school. I love it.”
Giamarco noted she currently plays piano, but said she hopes to “start up guitar lessons at some point.” She’s not sure if she wants to pursue music as a career.
“It’s more of a hobby right now, but winning Lynnfield Idol gave me the confidence that I could pursue music in the future,” said Giamarco
Giamarco was praised following her two performances during the competition. Lynnfield Idol Judge Karen Nascembeni, who is the current North Shore Music Theatre general manager, said the two songs Giamarco featured “two opposing styles.”
“You performed with a lot of confidence,” said Nascembeni.
Lynnfield Idol Judge Tom Page agreed.
“You showed huge range and confidence the whole way out,” said Page, a music producer.
Guarracino performed two songs as well during Lynnfield Idol. She began the competition with a performance of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.” She performed a cover of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrel’s classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” during the second part of the concert.
The sixth grader said she was surprised she won the Middle School Division.
“I have always enjoyed singing in my basement,” said Guarracino, who was swarmed by over a dozen friends after winning the Middle School Division. “When I heard this was going on, I wanted to try it.”
Guarracino said she wants to learn how to write music and DJ in the future.
Nascembeni praised Guarracino’s performance during Lynnfield Idol.
“You were off the charts,” said Nascembeni.
Lynnfield Idol Judge Kenny Lewis, who owns Mixed Emotions Music in Middleton, concurred with Nascembeni’s point of view.
“If you want a career in music, you got it,” said Lewis.
In addition to Guarracino, Lynnfield Idol’s Middle School Division featured Elizabeth Daly and Mary Gray.
Daly performed a cover of David Bowie’s classic “Space Oddity” as well as “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer. Gray performed a rendition of “The Lucky One” by Alison Krauss and Union Station as well as “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri.
In addition to Giamarco, Lynnfield Idol’s High School Division featured Ashley Mitchell, Nnenne Nwangwu, Lily Keene, Josh Mattera and Maggie Weaver.
Nwangwu performed “This Love” and “Make You Feel My Love” during the competition. Weaver performed “Hollow” by Tori Kelly and “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel.
Keene performed a cover of The Cars’ “Magic” and Etta James’ classic “At Last.” Mattera performed “Awake My Soul” by Mumford and Sons as well as “Girls, Girls, Boys” by Panic! at the Disco. Mitchell performed “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” by Elvis Presley and “Bright” by Echosmith.
Before the winners were announced, high school students Maddie Daigle, Ashley Schumacher and Katie Nevils performed during the second intermission. Lynnfield High School’s a cappella group, Sweet Treble, performed a couple of songs as well.
Nascembeni presented all nine contestants with tickets to North Shore Music Theatre’s upcoming production of “The Music Man.”
“I have to say, you guys did amazing,” said Nascembeni.
Page agreed.
“This was a tight, tight race,” said Page.
High school seniors Maddie Milne and Maddie Yazel served as the master of ceremonies during the sixth Lynnfield Idol. The back-up band consisted of High School Choral Director Doug Hodgkins on piano, Summer Street School music teacher Harry Wagg on guitar, Robb Simring on bass and Roger Hodgkins on drums.
