{"id":415072,"date":"2024-10-01T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=415072"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"Franko-Deleon-Guerrero-tops-2024-VOTM","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/Franko-Deleon-Guerrero-tops-2024-VOTM\/","title":{"rendered":"Franko Deleon Guerrero tops 2024 VOTM"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s Hibiscus Hall.<\/p>\n

He immediately grabbed the attention of the jam-packed venue during the grand finale with his first song \u201cLeave the Door Open\u201d by Bruno Mars.<\/p>\n

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

His second performance was sentimental as he sang ABBA\u2019s \u201cWinner Takes It All.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cPart of the criteria was entertainment and I\u2019d seen that we were all seen but I wanted to be different,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Also having the audience enthralled was runner-up Karlymae Lizama after one of her touching performances, \u201cYou Complete Me\u201d by Nesian Nine.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s \u201cPiece By Piece.\u201d<\/p>\n

That night, she showed the judges and the audience her vulnerable side by performing her first and second songs without her ukelele.<\/p>\n

In her second performance, she decided to showcase an original song \u201cOn Top of The World\u201d written for her loved ones supporting her in this competition, showing her appreciation in the grand finale.<\/p>\n

In an interview with her and her parents, Ben and Johanna Lizama shared, \u201cIn a sense, we knew,\u201d stating they never doubted their daughter\u2019s talent and performance she did. When asked about her song choices, Lizama stated, \u201cI just have my heart and mind set on it,\u201d and it was showcased excellently.<\/p>\n

Coming in at third place was Jason Lizama with his sweet-sounding melodies. Performing \u201cSway\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just thought we\u2019d maybe all like to dance before we got back to judging again\u201d is what he said on stage after performing \u201cSway\u201d 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, \u201cMy Way\u201d by Frank Sinatra, Jason\u2019s voice was melodic and smooth which was perfectly executed with his song choices. Jason\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Save the Music CNMI Foundation\u2019s initial foray\u2014they rebranded after helping organize Marianas Got Talent last year\u2014started 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s time and she encouraged elementary, junior high school, and high school students to join the event.<\/p>\n

The grand finale of Voice of the Marianas Singing Competition then began in earnest.<\/p>\n

In the first round beginning with the judge\u2019s 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\u2019s talents and provides their uniqueness to the song.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Despite slight technical difficulties, each performer gave a brilliant performance and shone through the small awkwardness as the show must go on. \u201cIt\u2019s not about the sounds, it\u2019s about the art,\u201d 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\u2019s performance and how they exceeded their expectations in the grand finale.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2014labeling it the \u201cLizama Battle\u201d\u2014for runner-up honors.<\/p>\n

Save The Music CNMI Foundation\u2019s events hope to get the community\u2019s 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. \u201cIt\u2019s a community partnership,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Franko Deleon Guerrero delivers his rendition of Bruno Mars \u201cLeave the Door Open\u201d during the 2024 Voices of the Marianas Singing Competition grand finale last Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan. Deleon Guerrero topped the inaugural season of the singing tilt.<\/p>\n

-CHRYSTAL MARINO
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

Karlymae Lizama was announced as the 2024 Voices of the Marianas Singing Competition second place winner last Saturday at the show\u2019s grand finale at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.<\/p>\n

-CHRYSTAL MARINO
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

Jason Lizama is the 2024 Voices of the Marianas Singing Competition third place winner.<\/p>\n

-CHRYSTAL MARINO
<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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