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. Being the Karaokeist is more than being a great vocalist!.....that's what they are looking for!
WHO THE JUDGES ARE 2015
Mary Francis Leyva
Musical Background:
I sang in choirs as a child and an adult and also studied violin. My husband is a guitar player and our daughter, Leah, play in a band together. Our other daughter, Rebekah is a flamenco dancer and our son, Isaiah, plays guitar. Music has always been an important part of our lives.
I think it will be a fun experience!
I have a good ear and will sincerely pick the people I think have the best qualities as singers and performers!
Leah Leyva
Musical Background:
I have been singing as long as I can remember. My parents always had me music and dance classes as a kid and i also grew up watching my parents sing in our church choir and watching my dad play in bands. Now my Dad and I have a band called "Leah Leyva and The Band" and I am the lead vocalist. We play at local breweries and restaurants. I also give voice lessons and have been learning guitar for the last couple years. Music is my love and my dream! I hope to one day be a successful recording artist.
I would like to be a judge because I really want to find the best singer and will pay close attention to everything from key and pitch to sing choices and stage presence. And also because I was a judge last year and know that it would be so much fun to do it again this year!!!
I think I should be a judge because I've been there before, on both sides of the judging table. Being involved in music and film I have gone on countless auditions. I auditioned for American Idol twice, and once made it to the executive producers. I know how nerve wrecking and exciting it all can be and I'd love to be a part of this awesome journey with the contestants this year.
Valerie Renee Mirabal
Musical Background:
I'm an actor/voice actor for about fifteen years. My education is in the Creative Digital Media field, where I have held many positions, including directing, producing, writing, hair/make-up and wardrobe. I also love watching and participating in Karaoke for fun and enjoy it for the entertainment and for what it is.
I can appreciate showmanship and stage presence. I have vocal training and I would love to see the best of New Mexico's Karaoke talent.
As an avid shower singer, I would love the opportunity to be apart of this venue and being a judge would be a great honor!
JUDGES SCHEDULE:
Here is the schedule of what judges will be where, when at the NMSF. This schedule is subject to change without notice. Only the primary judges are listed here. We have three primary judges each night with one additional guest judge each night to ensure score balancing. There are also six qualified back up judges. We will do our best to keep you informed.
Elimination-Thursday Sept 10th-Jeanette Lussier-Leah Leyva-Mary Francis Leyva-Ms Thompson
Elimination-Friday Sept 11-Jeanette Lussier-Leah Leyva-Mary Francis Leyva-Ms Thompson
Elimination-Saturday Sept 12-Jeanette Lussier-Leah Leyva-Sammy Montano-Ms Thompson
Elimination-Sunday Sept 13-Jeanette Lussier-Leah Leyva-Mary Francis Leyva-Omar Soliman
Elimination-Monday Sept 14-Jeanette Lussier-Leah Leyva-Mary Francis Leyva-Omar Soliman
Elimination-Tuesday Sept 15-Jeanette Lussier-Sammy Montano-Mary Francis Leyva-Omar Soliman
Elimination-Wednesday Sept 16-Jeanette Lussier-Leah Leyva-Mary Francis Leyva-Ilena Estrella
Elimination-Thursday Sept 17-Jeanette Lussier-Leah Leyva-Mary Francis Leyva-Ilena Estrella
Semi Finals-Friday Sept 18-Jeanette Lussier-Valerie Mirabal-Sammy Montano-Ilena Estrella
Finals-Saturday Sept 19-Jeanette Lussier-Leah Leyva-Mary Francis Leyva-Valerie Mirabal
Grand Finale-Sunday Sept 20-Jeanette Lussier-Leah Leyva-Mary Francis Leyva-Valerie Mirabal
Jeanette Lussier
Musical Background:
I love music and especially the lyrics. I was a fill in judge for the NMSF Karaoke Competition in 2014 and learned a lot about how to listen for key, and what they are looking for when it comes to the best karaokeists. I learned how to look for timing, knowledge and audience interaction,the key ingredients in top performing karaoke champion.
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. I am very dedicated, and reliable and honored to return this year with a fresh mind and as a lead judge to make sure every competition goes smoothly and fairly.
Sammy Montano
Musical Background:
I have been a songwriter for many years which has lead me to my new career as A&R Label Manager at R&D Entertainment.
I feel I can be a huge help in finding NM most talented artists and musicians. Plus it's something I enjoy doing and I would love to be apart of the Team.
I should be considered as a judge because most importantly I'm reliable and fun to work with. I have many years in management experience so you can guarantee you won't have to worry about me living up to your expectations. I guarantee you will be satisfied. I work hard no matter what the job may require. I always go over and beyond.
Ms Gaenor Thompson
Musical Background:
I have been singing and playing the piano since I was 5. I even sang for Lawrence Welk at the age of 10. I have 4 CD's out with 1 single used to raise funds for our Veterans and Cancer Patients. I am the current reigning Ms. New Mexico United America, I have won Talent Competitions with singing and well adverse in sharpness, tone, attitude on stage, if someone is feeling the song they are singing etc. I have an excellent ear!
I enjoy music it has helped me through my cancer! I love to see those get out there and get involved in their passion for music. I have judged beauty pageants, and I am very fair and love to give advise on how to improve in a positive manner. I always to during pageant week help those who need just a bit of tweaking. I will be very fair!
I love music, I love to see those succeed in what they enjoy. I will be fair. I come with no drama, lots of smiles and knowledge of music. Not to mention a Beauty Queen National Title Holder & National Title Holder in Talent. I would enjoy encouraging those to peruse music!
Omar Soliman
Musical Background:
When I was a kid, I banged on pots and pans. Later on, I joined marching band, where I also organized and led a group to Best Ensemble at the Solo & Ensemble Festival. Afterwards, I joined in multi-hour performances of backup-vocals and a cappella during soccer team road-trips, where I honed my craft. Currently, I'm learning to play electric guitar (after having first mastered the air guitar).
I thoroughly enjoy karaoke - I find it a common human experience that traverses borders and cultures; everyone sings their favorite songs to themselves when they think no one is paying attention. It takes a unique personality to do that (and engage the crowd), while everyone is listening. I look forward to witnessing charismatic New Mexicans perform!
I enjoy a wide range of music genres, so I won't be influenced by song selection or popularity. For me, the only thing that'll matter on that stage is preparation, execution, and moxie. No one should be afraid to pick their favorite tune and give the crowd a show.
Ilena Estrella
Musical Background:
Graduated from The Juilliard school in NYC. Majored in Piano and Viola performance (minor in vocal performance). Made vocal debut at the Thomaston Opera House, CT. Have performed in opera and musical theater productions including the lead role in the opera "Carmen". Demo vocalist for Broadway productions "They're Playing Our Song", "Smile", "A Chorus Line Revival". Piano guest soloist for several symphony orchestras and have played as a violist within symphonies, musicals, operas and chamber music.
Karaoke is my favorite pastime. Everyone can have fun (even those who can hold a tune or keep time). Judging the competitions would combine my formal musical training with a very fun event!
I have extensive musical training combined with my experience doing Karaoke in a fair share of dive bars.
