Jessel Antonio soars as Savory’s 3rd karaoke grand winner

The crowd went wild as soon as Jessel Antonio was crowned the winner of Savory Bistro Café’s Search for the Next Karaoke Star Season 3 last Saturday. She received a trophy, a golden sash, and the grand prize of $1,000.

In second place was Beth Ramos, who won $500, while Robby Murillo placed third. Both also received golden sashes and trophies.

Savory’s also handed out two special prizes for People’s Choice and Crowd’s Favorite, which went to Murillo and Ramos, respectively.

The Top 3 winners were the final trifecta of a competition that started with 16 semifinalists and each one performed a song of their choice to determine their viability for the Top 6. That number was then further narrowed down to the Top 3.

Savory Bistro Café held several Friday night weekly contests and was able to come up with the 15 semifinalists that included Antonio, Ramos, Murillo, Bernard Sabino, Donato Santiago, Zen Avila, Adrian Doca, Angie Jolie, Loida Olivar, Jenny Cook, Elmer Belgado, Ryan Arresgado, Jared Barong, Donnel Isip, and John Singson.

From that group emerged the Top 6: Avila, Santiago, Sabino, Murillo, Ramos, and Antonio. They each had to perform one more song to determine the final three.

An intermission was done before the Top 6 was announced. This included a dance performance as well as some raffle giveaways from Savory Bistro Café and sponsors, Pacific Quick Print, and Sunshine Massage. CNMI’s Got Talent 2nd runner up Ronilo de Belen sang a Tom Jones classic, while Season 2 winner Alfred Tabora also performed.

Antonio, who clinched the first prize with her interpretation of Fantasia’s I Believe, said she was shocked when she was named the grand champion. “I really prayed to be the grand champion to provide for my baby and my family’s financial needs.”

This season’s first runner-up, Ramos, who serenaded the audience with Whitney Houston’s hit Try It On My Own, said that she had gotten sick right before the competition but “the show must go on.” She said she is satisfied with the outcome of the competition. “The grand winner deserves it because she really hit the notes. I just praise God for making it this far,” she added.

Jennifer Elayda, owner of Savory Bistro Café, had high praises for season 3’s contestants. “This is the season where everyone was highly competitive. This batch was super-talented! In fact, we will be having a follow-up to this because many are asking for it and are wanting to join!”

Starting next Friday, Savory Bistro Café will be having a caroling contest, with a grand finale on Dec. 22.

Elayda expressed her delight that Savory Bistro Café is able to hold contests like these and encouraged more people to join future events. “We’re doing our best with regards to entertainment and for people to come out with their talents. Savory is here for you to showcase your talents,” she said.

The judges for this grand finale were Paul Legaspi, Joseph Mendiola Diaz, former representative Angel Demapan, and Ernie Molina while Ester Sablan served as tabulator. Malou Callejo Lambat and Lance Elayda were the night’s emcees.