MEDIA THEATRE NAMES 2015 'VOCALIST' WINNER: SPRINGFIELD'S CAMILLE MOLA

After all the songs were sung, the 2015 "Vocalist" winner was announced at The Media Theatre on Wednesday August 5. It was 23 year old Springfield resident Camille Mola who went home with the $1500 cash prize and an opportunity to appear on FOX-TV Channel 29's "Good Day Philadelphia" next week alongside the always cheerful Sue Serio. 

Serio adds her warm persona to the "Vocalist" contest each year as emcee, sharing the duties this year with her husband Bill Vargus. 

Pictured: John Whitig of Iron Workers Bank with emcee Sue Serio, "Vocalist" 2015 winner Camille Mola, Artistic Director Jesse Cline, and fellow emcee Bill Vargus. 

Camille Mola, who is employed at the Academy of Vocal Arts, attended Penn State and Cardinal O' Hara High School. She brought her game to the stage during the Finals. Both of her songs -"A Way Back To Then" and Whitney Houston's powerhouse ballad "I Have Nothing"- were done with such fierce power it seemed there was no stopping this tiny talented young lady. During each of the last five weeks, audience response to her vocal performances, which combined terrific acting skills with a super voice, was tremendous. Finally, when the votes were tabulated during the final round, she came out on top.

The entire top five, for the first time in recent memory (perhaps ever?) were all female vocalists. In second place was York's 19 year old Grace Atherholt; third place was Collegeville's 18 year old Francesca Venezia; fourth place belonged to Upper Chichester's Rhiannon Charney, 18; and fifth place went to Upper Darby gal Lauryn Morgan Thomas, 19. 

During the final week, the top 15 started out on common ground as all previous scores both by judges and the public were wiped clean. The votes started fresh as the Top 15 performed their hearts out. Following that, tabulations took place and the Top Five took the stage, also with a clean slate of points.

Jesse Cline, the Media Theatre's Artistic Director who is the one constant judge throughout, said to the audience, "This is the most talented group we have ever had. Any one of these young singers could win, and to those who do not let's hope they take away every positive moment from being involved that is possible."

Next up on Sunday night August 9 is the Finals for "Vocalist Junior" in which the elementary to junior high school age singers try to win the title and a $500 prize. Iron Workers Bank is the title sponsor for both summer contests.

For tickets or information call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.