Hofschneider, Cruz get top marks in Tinian Star tilt

Chloe Hofschneider, a freshman at Tinian High School, gave a powerful rendition of the Beyonce hit Listen to emerge as the Tinian Star 2008, besting four other contestants during the competition held Saturday night at the lobby of the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino.

Organized by the United Filipino Association in Tinian, or Unifil, the contest also saw 8-year-old Mariah Cruz romping off with the Tinian Little Star 2008 award with her energetic take on the Hillary Duff anthem What Dreams Are Made Of.

Chloe, who just turned 14 years old, was giggly during the interview, seemingly unable to believe that she had won the singing contest, but she showed none of that while on stage, delivering a poised and confident performance that got her the nod of the judges that included former senator David Cing.

“I’m really happy [about winning the contest]. I’m actually surprised that I made it this far,” she said.

Chloe, who counts Mandy Moore, Whitney Houston, Sarah Geronimo and Beyonce as her idols, credited the support of her parents, Julian and Margaret, for her win, and said her winning piece is actually one of her favorite songs.

Chloe’s talent evidently does not come from nowhere as her dad, Julian, is a well-known musician and composer. Chloe herself, the eldest of four, said that she has been singing as far back as she could remember.

The same holds true for Mariah, the winner of the Tinian Little Star 2008, who said she loves to sing a capella. Although this was her first time joining the contest, she said her win will only motivate her to continue singing and joining more competitions. “It was fun and I am so happy I won,” she said.

This Tinian Elementary School student counts among her idols her namesake, Mariah Carey, as well as Duff and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas.

The other winners in the Little Star competition were Ritalind King, first runner-up; and Kalea Nabors, second runner-up, while the other winners in the Tinian Star 2008 division were Alonica Anore, first runner-up; Jonathan San Nicolas, second runner-up; Jonie Polistico, third runner-up; and Danilo Gilber, fourth runner-up.

The finalists were chosen after four elimination rounds. Judging was based on scores garnered by the contestants during their respective performances, together with votes cast by audience members.

The event, which saw hundreds of people jam-packed into the cavernous lobby of the Tinian Dynasty, also featured dance performances by members of the MyWAVE Club of Tinian Elementary School and the TDHC Dancers. [B][I](Saipan Tribune)[/I][/B]