16 contestants prepare for Voices of the Marianas elimination round

After completing two audition calls, 16 contestants are preparing to voice off on the Voices of the Marianas Singing Competition.

This past Saturday the Voices of the Marianas concluded the audition phase for the singing competition at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, with seven more vocalists added to the nine from the first round of auditions.

Following their audition, several contestants shared with Saipan Tribune their sentiments passing the auditions.

“I feel good. I really was excited to meet everybody and see everybody. So, I’m excited for next round,” said Lou Guevarra after her a cappella performance of Jamie Grace’s God Girl.

“I feel happy,” said 17-year-old Donna Rose Santiago, adding that she nearly didn’t make it to the audition, but now that it was over, she was glad she did.

Santiago, who happens to be a sister of Season 1 runner-up Donato Santiago, shared that the competition had helped her get back on stage after a long while, and her heartfelt version of Lady Gaga’s Always Remember Us this Way received positive feedback from the judges.

“When I was younger, I would always sing but then I stopped, and that’s why I get scared now. But now I feel relieved that I have hope,” said Santiago. “My experience so far is good. Everyone here is really nice. They treat me like family. That’s why I love it.”

Sixteen-year-old Karlymae Joy Kapileo Lizama’s audition gained praise from all the judges, after performing her original song Matter of Time.

“I was really nervous at first when I got on the stage. But overall, I’m really thankful I got to come here today.”

Lizama expressed her delight at the reception of her song. She said that she thinks she will be doing more throughout the competition. The Marianas High School student added that she had been really shy to perform in the competition, especially in front of an audience, but with guidance and support from the VOTM committee and her peers, she was able to.

“I’m impressed,” said special judge John Sablan. He noted that it was great to see the turnout of those who want to get involved in music.

“I wish I would see more. There’s a lot of closeted singers, people that are great at singing, but they’re shy in front of people. I would encourage them or any of them to come, even if you’re not that good, because I know for a fact you don’t have to be a great singer to be a great performer.”

Like Sablan, Felix Rabauliman is new to the VOTM judges panel and shared, “It’s been a good experience.” He hopes to bring constructive criticism to help not only the competition but the contestants as well. “I’m here to just make sure to give the critique that I personally thought I could contribute.”

“I know the cause of Voices of the Marianas… They have a mission that I really admire, and it’s really going to help the music community here on island. What better way to help than to volunteer for whatever they want to do,” he said.

When asked on his thoughts on the number of individuals who showed their desire to pursue music in the competition, he said, “I think it shows that for a long time, this island has really talented musicians who are just very overlooked. I’m just basing it on what I see in other places that have worse conditions than this place, but have stronger musical backing, community-wise. I want to help push that.”

Competing alongside Lizama, Santiago, and Guevarra are Alyana Rotap, Justin Tubera, Althea Surima, Gil Gupalao, Kaden Manglona, Jennifer Masters, Jordan Ruiz, Jason Lizama, Simon Necesito, Donnel Isip, Franko Deleon Guerrero, Johanna Mogar, and Priscilla Pangelinan.

Joining Rabauliman on the judges panel are Irene Holl, Vinny Orsini, Lovelynn Trinidad Flores, and Tom Basa. Special judges are Sablan, Leo Pangelinan, J.J. Concepcion, and Luella Marciano.

The competition is the second of its kind, but the first under their new organization Save the Music Foundation-CNMI. STMF-CNMI acting vice president Donovan Castro shared that the elimination round will take place on Sept. 7, 2024 from 1pm to 5pm at the multi-purpose center and admission is $10 for 12 years old and above.

To find out more information, check out Voices of the Marianas on Facebook.