Welcome to the Judges Panel
Here you will find the panel of judges for the NM State Fair Karaoke Competition. Who they are, what they look like, and their musical background. 
WHO THE JUDGES ARE 2014
Jackamoe Buzzell

​Musical Background:



Buzzell has 27 years of experience as a professional actor and singer. His credits as a singer include sitting in for Alan Jackson at rehearsals and singing a duet with Grammy winner Lee Ann Womack at the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards and worked as a back-up singer for Brad Paisley at the 2005 Academy of Country Music Awards. Before that he worked as a singer/songwriter in several touring bands throughout the 80's and 90's. Buzzell has also worked as a principal actor with Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Gary Allan and Pink. He was a casting director for Britney Spears boyfriend Kevin Federline for his music video for "Lose Control". To wrap up, Buzzell has worked as a judge before and worked as an assistant to Simon Cowell on American Idol. For more information, please go to www.jackamoebuzzell.com
Elysia Myers

​Musical Background:


​I have my Bachelors degree in Music: Vocal Performance. I have performed in music festivals in Italy and Brazil and I currently sing with a church choir, "On Q Women's Choir". I also solo jazz music. I am a teacher of voice at NDI NM and teach private voice as well. I have a very good ear and feel I would be a great judge.

I would like to judge this competition because I enjoy music and karaoke. I had a lot of experience singing karaoke in LA and really enjoyed the time I had. I think Karaoke is meant to be fun, and I would love seeing others have fun with this experience. 

I believe I would be a great judge because my first and foremost passion is music and voice. I have been singing and performing for 13 years and have experience with classical, pop, jazz, hip-hop, experimental and various other types of music. I feel I would be a fair and honest judge and always have the music as the most important aspect. 
Edan A. Didak

​Musical Background:


I play bass guitar, am well versed in music theory, and have an ear for the proper pitch, as well as a large music repertoire with which I am familiar with.

 I think I could provide an accurate assessment based on skill.

I will do my best to honor each contestant equally, give everyone a fair shot, and make sure we have a great time while fairly helping to determine the winners!
Leah Leyva

​Musical Background:

I am interested in being a judge for the NM State Fair Karaoke Competition! I am a local vocalist and play around town at bars and restaurants with my band. I am also a vocal instructor and have been singing as long as I can remember. I have done many talent and singing competitions as well as auditions since I was very young. In 2012 I got 1st place in the Albuquerque Has Talent competition. I also auditioned for American Idol twice, last year I got to the executive producer round. 

I think I would give fair and educated input.

Because I am I love to hear talent in Albuquerque and be a part of my community. I also just loved being involved in music and the arts as much as I can. 
Aaron Romero

​Musical Background:

I hold a B.A. in music from the University of New Mexico. I have been a member of the UNM symphonic band, symphony orchestra, and Dolce Suono. I currently work at a local recording studio where I coach artists and help them develop their music. I also play piano and sing with various performing groups around New Mexico and Texas. 

I have always wanted to participate as a judge in the State Fair and, as I am taking a job in New York in November, this will be my last opportunity to do so for at least a few years.

A good judge is not one who can tell a contestant they are bad, but one who can tell a contestant how to get better. You should consider me because I have over 15 years of experience in studying performing, and teaching music. I understand the critical nuances of pitch, timbre, and emotion that separate the great singers from the rest and I offer constructive criticism. 
Jeanette Lussier

​Musical Background:


I love music and especially the lyrics. I don't sing or play an instruments but do spend a lot of time listen to all types of music.


I love to see other people sing and how well they do and how creative they can get with the song.


I'm honest and fair and a passionate person. I'm have a lot of free time and ready to be a respectful judge.
JUDGES SCHEDULE:
Here is the schedule of what judges will be where, when. This schedule is subject to change without notice. Only the primary judges are listed here. There are also six qualified back up judges. We will do our best to keep you informed.
Slate Street-ThursdayJuly 31st-Elysia Myers-Ellery Rose-Aaron Romero

Lucky 66 Bowl-SaturdayAugust 2nd-Elysia Myers-Ellery Rose-Aaron Romero

Malarky's-WednesdayAugust 6th-Elysia Myers-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Sidelines-TuesdayAugust 12th-Elysia Myers-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Graham CentralStation-ThursdayAugust 14th-Elysia Myers-Leah Leyva-Aaron Romero

Barley Room-WednesdayAugust 20th-Elysia Myers-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Applebee's Santa Fe-ThursdayAugust 21st-Leah Leyva-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Z's @ Skidz-WednesdayAugust 27th-Leah Leyva-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Effingbar-ThursdayAugust 28th-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak-Jeanette Lussier

Elimination-Thursday Sept 11th-Jeanette Lussier-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Elimination-Friday Sept 12-Elysia Myers-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Elimination-Saturday Sept 13-Jeanette Lussier-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Elimination-Sunday Sept 14-Elysia Myers-Leah Leyva-Aaron Romero

Elimination-Monday Sept 15-Elysia Myers-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Elimination-Tuesday Sept 16-Elysia Myers-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Elimination-Wednesday Sept 17-Elysia Myers-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Elimination-Thursday Sept 18-Leah Leyva-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Semi Finals-Friday Sept 19-Elysia Myers-Aaron Romero-Edan Didak

Finals-Saturday Sept 20-Jackamoe Buzzell-Elysia Myers-Aaron Romero

Grand Finale-Sunday Sept 21-Aaron Romero-Elysia Myers-Leah Leyva