BOSS Idol
Winners head to Heidelberg competition

Christine June, Story and photos
415th Base Support Battalion


***image1***Kaiserslautern hosted its first Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers Idol semifinals Sunday at the KMC Onstage on Kleber Kaserne.

Competition was fierce as three judges selected five contestants out of 14 to move forward to the 26th Area Support Group’s Second Annual BOSS Idol three-day finals in July, according to one of the KMC BOSS Idol judges, Burdette Becks.

“Judging was difficult because everybody in the competition could sing, and sing well. There was not one person on the stage where we (judges) went, ‘Oh, I don’t think so,’” said Mr. Becks, a professional musician and founder of the Burdette Becks Quartet in Kaiserslautern. “That meant we had to choose between this good one and that good ***image2***one so we had to get really picky.”
Mr. Becks said that it got to the point that how the contestant dressed for their number became a factor on the top five selections.

“I think it will be tough to judge,” said Spc. Michael A. Keck, from the 230th Military Police Company, before the results were announced. “Every contestant deserves to be here, and they are all really good singers.”

Judging consisted of showmanship, pronunciation and enunciation, technical expertise and the amount of personality that was shown during songs, said Mr. Becks.

“I thought the competition was real classy and well organized,” said Marvin Daniel, from Darmstadt-Babenhausen. “I was a little nervous because I thought everyone was great.”

Contestants were selected by competing in regional contest held at each of the 415th Base Support Battalion clubs. The competition was open to all U.S. ID card holders, 18 and older.

They encompassed the unique demographics of the KMC and consisted of Army, Air Force active duty, Reservists, Department ***image3***of Defense civilians and their family members.

Those heading to the finals in Heidelberg are: Chris Sears, Tamara White, Rachel Lauderdale, Galen Morris and Mr. Daniel. Jen Bloomberg finished in the top five, but she is leaving the KMC before the Heidelberg finals so another contestant was selected to go in her place.

The top five from the semifinals held in Heidelberg, Stuttgart and Kaiserslautern will compete in the BOSS Idol finals July 9, 16 and 30 at the Henry Patrick Village Pavilion in Heidelberg.

The first show has all the contestants singing a song of their choice, but for the second show, they are requested to do one country and one rhythm-and-blues song. Those who make it to the third show sing one pop and one inspirational song and one of their choosing.