Franko Deleon Guerrero tops 2024 VOTM

With show-stealing performances, dazzling glimmer, and amazing vocalization, Franko Deleon Guerrero topped the 2024 Voice of the Marianas Singing Competition held last Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan’s Hibiscus Hall.

He immediately grabbed the attention of the jam-packed venue during the grand finale with his first song “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars.

Setting the scene with an R&B genre, Deleon Guerrero skillfully displayed his own individuality on stage with stunning looks and musical notes.

His second performance was sentimental as he sang ABBA’s “Winner Takes It All.” The ballad perfectly demonstrated by his take on the song had him stand out from the event and gave the audience an even more joyful show, giving them a peek into his persona.

“Part of the criteria was entertainment and I’d seen that we were all seen but I wanted to be different,” he said in an interview after the show. True to his statement, he had outdone himself with an unforgetable performance and had shown his talent that night.

Also having the audience enthralled was runner-up Karlymae Lizama after one of her touching performances, “You Complete Me” by Nesian Nine.

From the first performance, Lizama had the audience hook, line, and sinker with her powerful vocal range and emotional song choices that had her connecting with her audience with Kelly Clarkson’s “Piece By Piece.”

That night, she showed the judges and the audience her vulnerable side by performing her first and second songs without her ukelele.

In her second performance, she decided to showcase an original song “On Top of The World” written for her loved ones supporting her in this competition, showing her appreciation in the grand finale.

In an interview with her and her parents, Ben and Johanna Lizama shared, “In a sense, we knew,” stating they never doubted their daughter’s talent and performance she did. When asked about her song choices, Lizama stated, “I just have my heart and mind set on it,” and it was showcased excellently.

Coming in at third place was Jason Lizama with his sweet-sounding melodies. Performing “Sway” by Michael Buble, Jason presented his amiable personality and even danced along with his song entertaining the audience. His personality displayed with his performance giving the judges a feel of how his persona is.

“I just thought we’d maybe all like to dance before we got back to judging again” is what he said on stage after performing “Sway” while he did the cha-cha, encouraging the audience to get up and dance along, sharing a carefree moment from the stressful weight of the competition. Singing jazz songs like his second performance, “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, Jason’s voice was melodic and smooth which was perfectly executed with his song choices. Jason’s cheery attitude gave the audience a sense of familiarity and was contagious with his smile, his aura brightened the room and his performance was even more jolly.

Save the Music CNMI Foundation’s initial foray—they rebranded after helping organize Marianas Got Talent last year—started with the playing of the national and CNMI anthem led by Bernice Sabino and Sebastion Tajibmai, along with the award-winning Saipan Southern Color Guard team, and an opening prayer from Rev. Danny.

Foundation president Arlene Reyes then thanked her team and shared their plans for future events for the VOTM such as their Harmony in the Community event on Oct. 26 in Kagman. It will celebrate the youth’s time and she encouraged elementary, junior high school, and high school students to join the event.

The grand finale of Voice of the Marianas Singing Competition then began in earnest.

In the first round beginning with the judge’s choice of artist, each contestant performed their pick of the song based on the artist they were assigned to. Every performance gave an extraordinary showcase of each contestant’s talents and provides their uniqueness to the song.

Each contestant delivered unforgettable performances with a powerful blend of emotion and artistry. From the first to the last note, every performer provided their own unique twists to their songs with extraordinary vocal chords. Their personal stories weaved into each song, the venue was filled with their raw emotion, leaving many in awe. Whether expressing joy, love, or sadness, the night was left for all to remember.

In the event, special and seasonal judges were recruited for the grand finale. Judges who joined that evening included seasonal judges John Basa, Lewella Marciano, Felix Rabauliman,Irene Paul, Vinni Orsini, and Lovelin Trinidad Flores. Special judges were Jonas Barcinas, Lucia Deleon Guerrero, and Edward Diaz.

Despite slight technical difficulties, each performer gave a brilliant performance and shone through the small awkwardness as the show must go on. “It’s not about the sounds, it’s about the art,” said judge Vinni Orsini to one contestant with his reassuring advice. After every performance, the judges gave their advice and remarks to the contestants. Each judge shared their view of how they were astonished by the contestant’s performance and how they exceeded their expectations in the grand finale.

For every intermission, the VOTM team joined up on stage with their own performance for the audience and shared their amazing vocals with previous contestants and audiences. Their display shared what their foundation is about, keeping music embedded into the culture and sharing joyful vibes with everyone, encouraging the music to stay alive.

In the second round, contestants had the opportunity to choose a song and artist of their choice. Everyone selected songs that best showcased their style and strengths and styles. Every contestant brought their special energy to the stage with stunning and dashing wardrobe selections, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the evening. The visual spectacle was as captivating as the music itself.

But it was truly their own unique vocal ranges that stole the show. The contestants filled the venue with energy and raw passion making it clear they were in it to win it. Their voices resonated the room throughout, each note crisp, clear, and full of heart, leaving no doubt that they raised the bar this round.

With the scores tallying up, Deleon Guerrero was named the Season 1 winner then the judges decided to have a sing-off between Jason and Karlymae Lizama—labeling it the “Lizama Battle”—for runner-up honors.

Save The Music CNMI Foundation’s events hope to get the community’s attention by promoting music with the youth and showcasing their talent. The foundation works closely with the Public School System and local businesses to offer music lessons and after school programs. They have already partnered with several schools and community centers, with a goal to expand toward Tinian and Rota. “It’s a community partnership,” Reyes said as she explained the goals of the foundation. The foundation seeks to create change in the community through the youth in the form of art.