FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- Ten singers took to the stage at Hale Ikena, here, to compete in the U.S. Army Garrison?-Hawaii semifinals of "Operation Rising Star," Oct. 22.
On the line was a chance to win up to $500, a televised performance with a past "Operation Rising Star" winner and an all-expenses-paid trip to cut a CD at a professional recording studio.
But first the contestants had to conquer their nerves and face critiques from a panel of judges that rated them based on their vocal performance and stage presence.
Expectations were high for USAG-HI because last year Joyce Severino of Schofield Barracks placed in the top three at the Army?wide level of the competition, beating out competitors from garrisons in Germany, South Korea and Djibouti to narrowly lose to Sgt. Christiana Bell of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
-- Karlette Beasley
Karlette Beasley, who moved to Oahu from Fort Sills, Oklahoma, about a month ago, said she learned about this year's "Operation Rising Star" two days before auditions began and made an on-the-spot decision to give it a try.
"I've been singing all my life, but I was too shy to sing in front of people until I was 25," said Beasley, who performed "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keyes. "I'm 42 now, so it took me 20 years."
The wait paid off because Beasley, whose husband is a master sergeant in the 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, was one of six contestants to advance to the regional finals, which are scheduled for 5 p.m., Oct. 28, at the Nehelani on Schofield Barracks. This brings her one step closer in representing USAG-HI in a televised performance against contestants from other garrisons around the world.
-- hannen McDonald
Also advancing to the regional finals was Pvt. 2nd Class Shannen McDonald of the 205th Military Intelligence Battalion, 500th MI Brigade, who set herself apart from a crowd of pop?-ballads with her rendition of "Con Te Parito."
"I'm not familiar with the song," judge Bennnie James confessed, but added that he was mesmerized by her performance.
"I recognized the song from 'Step Brothers,'" judge Melanie Kaneaiakala said, referring to the 2008 movie starring Will Ferrell. She too complimented McDonald on her voice and song choice.
-- Pfc. Jesse Ballow
Pfc. Jesse Ballow of the 325th Brigade Support Battalion did not advance to the regional finals, but his sense of humor won him crowd appeal.
"I sing for a sold-out concert every night in my shower," he told the judges after his performance of "Summertime" by Ella Fitzgerald. "There's just more people in the shower tonight."
-- Kalynn Mims
Kalynn Mims and Jason Cavinder had the enthusiastic support of fellow Soldiers from the 516th Signal Brigade, who rose to their feet in a synchronized dance.
The support buoyed Mims to the regional finals, but Cavinder, who stumbled over the lyrics to "Can you Feel the Love Tonight" from "The Lion King," was not as lucky, despite recovering and finishing strong.
-- Alexandra Christman, Amber Duncan and Charlotte Dammann also made it to the USAG-HI finals. Cyrus Bowers and Jose Escandor did not advance past the USAG-?HI semifinals, which meant the women made a clean sweep.
"Operation Rising Star" is an "American Idol"?style singing competition produced by Army Entertainment, which showcases the vocal talents of Soldiers, Department of Defense employees and their qualified dependents over the age of 18.
Now in its 10th year, the program has contestants from garrisons in all four of the Army's regions -- Europe, Atlantic, Central and Pacific -- compete through various rounds until a winner is named.
The theme of this year's competition is "Soldier for Life," and the focus is on the roles that music and the military play in contestants' lives.
• Finalists
The six finalists performing Oct. 28 at the Nehelani:
-Karlette Beasley
-Alexandra Christman
-Charlotte Dammann
-Amber Duncan
-Shannen McDonald
-Kalynn Mims
• Finals
The USAG?-HI finals take place 5 p.m., Oct. 28, at the Nehelani, Schofield Barracks.
Judges Brian Walker (a.k.a. DJ B-Eazy), Bennie James and Melanie Kaneaiakala will select one contestant to represent USAG-?HI in a televised performance against contestants from other Army garrisons worldwide.
• Awards
The selected contestant will also receive $500. The first runner-up will receive $200 and the second runner-up will receive $100.
• Broadcasts
The worldwide finals of "Operation Rising Star" are scheduled for Dec. 6?-12 at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam in Houston, Texas. They can be viewed at www.OpRisingStar.com. beginning 9 a.m. central standard time, on Dec. 7, 9 and 11.
Viewers will have 24 hours to vote for their favorite performers after each round.
The winner will be revealed online, Dec. 13, and will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to record a CD at a professional recording studio, as well as time with a vocal coach.
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