"BMS Idol Callback; the First Reunion Show" Scheduled for May 24; Former Winners, Finalists Invited to Come Back and Perform
By Julie Perine on May 07, 2016 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Bridgeport Middle School is gearing up for the 14th annual BMS Idol competition. Presently under way are preliminary auditions, which will determine finalists who will perform for the student body and panel of judges on May 26.
But before that happens, the school will host “BMS Idol Callback; the First Reunion Show” on May 24. All former title holders and finalists are invited to come back and perform at the May 24 show.
“Many of these kids are grown up and have moved on to bigger and better things,” said Eric Stoneking of the BMS music education department. “If they had the skill level to win BMS Idol, it would be interesting to see what they’ve done with their talent over the years.”
It was Principal Carole Crawford who first thought of the Idol reunion which would serve a twofold purpose.
“I just thought it would be a neat way for the show choir to have a fundraiser and at the same time, tie that in,” she said. “We were the first school in the area to ever do that and we want to keep that tradition alive. And any former students – older kids and adults – who can come in and be a positive role model for our students is a plus.”
Admission price to the reunion show is $5, proceeds which will be used to purchase a new sound system for the BMS music program. That sound system will be used by the BMS Show Choir and during various other events.
BMS Idol started in 2003. Each year, Stoneking said he is amazed at the talent displayed. The student vocalists have delivered a wide array of genres – from pop and country to rock and roll and Broadway tunes. Though most contestants sing, there have been band performances, pianists, stand-up comedy and monologue deliveries.
With her anti-bullying monologue, Savannah Blythe was named co-winner in the 2012 BMS Idol competition. She shared first place with 
Gabriella Mazza who sang Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain.” Ashley Wojciechowicz was runner-up that year with her rendition of Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl.” In 2011, Kylie Frame took the title.
Gabriella Mazza who sang Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain.” Ashley Wojciechowicz was runner-up that year with her rendition of Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl.” In 2011, Kylie Frame took the title.
In 2013, Becka James earned the win with Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.” The following year, the all-girl band of Alisha Pinti, Megan Rinker, Zela Roets and Emily Ogden took first place with Kamden Dulaney in the runner-up spot. In 2015, Jordan Rae, an aspiring Broadway vocalist, wowed the crowd with Meghan Trainor’s “Dear Future Husband.” With his performance of “Jail House Rock,” Derek Hess was named runner-up.
In addition to those student talents, there have been participants who didn’t win the title, but who went on to have great success with their vocal talents. Off the top of her head, Crawford mentioned Delaney Marsh and Jocelyn Stout. Stout actually came back and performed for the BMS student body.
Providing there is enough response, the 
show will take place at 7 p.m. May 24 at BMS. It is likely that this year’s BMS Idol finalists will also perform at that show, Stoneking said. It would be a good opportunity for dress rehearsal for the May 26 competition and also an opportunity for contestants’ extended family and friends to watch him or her perform.
show will take place at 7 p.m. May 24 at BMS. It is likely that this year’s BMS Idol finalists will also perform at that show, Stoneking said. It would be a good opportunity for dress rehearsal for the May 26 competition and also an opportunity for contestants’ extended family and friends to watch him or her perform.
Parents and siblings are invited to the actual competition, but there is not enough room to open it up to the public, Stoneking said.
Admission to the reunion show will be $5 each. Proceeds will be used to purchase a new sound system for BMS. As is evident by the events taken place over the last 14 years, that sound system will be put to good use, Stoneking said.
Connect-Bridgeport readers who have contact information for any of the past BMS Idol winners are encouraged to pass the word on. Those past winners can contact the school at 304-326-7142 and ask for Crawford.
“We hope they will come back and perform,” Stoneking said. “They can bring a karaoke CD or whatever they want us to spin for them.”
Editor's Note: See a sampling of the excitement generated by BMS Idol by watching the YouTube video below, which captures the moment "Dear Charlie," a four-piece girls' rock band, captured the win in 2014, then performed for their student body fans. Video by Joe Roets.
Pictured from above are Megan Rinker, Jordan Rae, Derek Hess, Kamden Dulaney and Beckah James.
