This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
09/21/2015 07:37 AMA crowd of 250 turned out to cheer on finalists, and celebrate with the top prize winners, on Sept. 13 at the “Can U Sing USA” Final Showcase at Water’s Edge Resort in Westbrook. Nearly $1,000 raised by event proceeds will help produce an anti-cyberbullying music video.
Branford native and four-time Emmy nominated singer/songwriter Jill Nesi is the creator and founder of Can U Sing U.S.A. She invited a judging panel which included Nick Fradiani Sr. (Guilford resident, musician, songwriter and dad of this year’s American Idol winner Nick Fradiani). American Idol Top 40 finalist Erin Christine, a Madison native, joined Fradiani Sr., Nesi and Connecticut music professional Joan Christensen as judges. Connecticut DJ John Saville was Master of Ceremonies.
The judges selected 13 year-old Anais Preller of Fairfield as 2015 Can U Sing U.S.A. Teen Winner and Marissa Deltor as Adult Winner. Thanks to sponsors and donations, Preller took home a $1,000 cash prize and Deltor earned a $2,500 prize.
“The judges had a very difficult job picking the winners. There is an incredible amount of talent in Connecticut!” said Nesi.
The event was supported by sponsors including The Fireplace Showroom and Barbarino Nissan. Many local merchants contributed to fundraising raffle.
Nesi, a Madison resident, focused the day not only on 18 teens and 22 adults competing as finalists, but on the impact of bullying and cyberbullying. The video being produced, titled “Stand Up and Speak Out,” features a song penned by Nesi and recorded by past Can U Sing finalist Summer Eden. At the Sept. 13 Final Showcase, Branford resident and Can U Sing finalist Eliza Hayes sang the theme song for the video.
“People got emotional, and four contestants spoke of how they were bullied themselves,” said Nesi, adding, “I am blown away by the generosity of people who donated to the anti-bullying campaign.”
For more information on the “Stand Up and Speak Out” video and Can U Sing, visit www.canusingusa.com. Donations toward completion of the video accepted online at www.gofundme.com/ya2e363b.