"VOCALIST" NAMES ITS TOP 15 FINALISTS AT MEDIA THEATRE FOR 2016

The songs were sung by the remaining top 20, the votes were tallied, and "The Vocalist" has its Top 15 contestants for 2016.

Unfortunately for four of the guys in the contest, they said goodbye during the Semi-Finals so heading into the Finals "The Vocalist" is a very female oriented competition with only four young dudes still in the summer event. 

                         PICTURED ABOVE, 'THE VOCALIST' TOP 15 FOR 2016
                   Back: Toni Huegel, Jake Faragalli, Elaine Ficarra, Jacob Mergott
                 Middle: Alexandra Battisti, Tori D'Ascenzo, Kaleigh Kahan, Emma Costello,                                                           Carrie Hytha, Sarah Korbel
   Front: Molly Sorensen, Paul Mariani III, Lauren Faulkner, Moses Gonzalez, Alli Sutton

With each week leading up this point, every contestant brought their best to the stage with songs ranging from pop classics and country, to jazz and Broadway. Contestants choose their own songs each week, allowing them to be who they are as they perform for large audiences Wednesday nights at The Media Theatre.

The Finals will be Wednesday August 10 at 7pm, with each contestant rehearsing with the accompanist (Ben Kapilow) the Monday prior. Each will need to choose two songs for rehearsal this week, and one song must be from a Broadway show. 

The reason for choosing two songs? Well, it's a bit nerve-wracking.....Each of the Top 15 sing in Act One Wednesday August 10. Votes are tallied at intermission, and only the Top Five perform in Act Two the same night before a winner is eventually named.

For the Finals, they are also allowed to sing a song they have already performed in the competition, which may ease a bit of the stress.

Stress is a part of the game at this level, but as Artistic Director Jesse Cline says, "The Vocalist is a contest, yes. But we look at this event as a learning experience first and foremost. It allows each of these young performers a chance to grow as they perform for live audiences, finding out what works for them and what does not work for them. It's a healthy experience as they prepare for moving forward with college or a career."

All of the contestants range in age from 14-24, with the 'oldest' one this year being only 21. For the first time in several years, the borough of Media has no representation in the finals. Several contestants are from outside of the Media region, including those from West Chester, Phoenixeville, Cochranville, and New Jersey. 

For tickets to "The Vocalist" Finals on Wednesday August 10, which begin at 7pm, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org GET TICKETS HERE

You may also vote for your favorite contestant up through the end of intermission on August 10. The top three Online & Public vote getters will receive extra points toward the Judges' Score, which may assist them in making it to the Top Five. VOTE HERE

"The Vocalist" Finalists for 2016 are: Alexandra Battisti, 14 of Malvern; Emma Costello, 14, West Chester; Tori D’Ascenzo, 15, Oxford; Lauren Faulkner, 15, Glenolden; Jake Faragalli, 14, NJ; Elaine Ficarra, 15, Glenmoore; Moses Gonzalez, 21, Woodlyn; Toni Huegel, 14, Springfield; Carrie Hytha, 21, Phoenixville; Kaliegh Kahan, 16, Cochranville; Sarah Korbel, 17, Wayne; Paul Mariani III, 16, Ardmore; Jacob Mergott, 17, of Swarthmore; Molly Sorensen, 15, Malvern; and Allison Sutton, 16, Hatboro.

"The Vocalist" is sponsored by Iron Workers Bank.