Harmonious and pleasant vocals from eight new karaoke singers received appreciation and applause from a 100 strong audience on Wednesday night.

The talented singers executed the delivery of two songs of their choice with great vocal control, in the second round of the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club Karaoke Idol competition.

Yvette Takaiti, Mii Moetaua, Tarita Willis, Ashleigh Wihongi-Willis, Kiana Puna, Sarah Bigot, Jason Tamakino and Mark Gonzales hit the stage and braved the crowd to present their singing performances.

The top three singers of the evening were Tarita Willis, Ashleigh Wihongi-Willis and Kiana Puna who have sung their way into the finals of the event.

Wihongi-Willis said she was “extremely nervous”, however her vibrant vocals and familiarity of her songs ‘Begging for Mercy’ by Duffy and the classic ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ by Elvis Presley, shone through.

“I thought I’d give it a go and support Tarita, and to get out of our comfort zone,” she said.

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Songs by the late English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, who was known for her deep expressive vocals and eclectic mix of musical genres, were a popular choice on the night.

Willis sang Adele’s ‘Find Someone like You’ and ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse, and Puna selected the songs ‘Back to Black’ by Amy Winehouse and ‘Don’t You Remember’ by Adele.

Local singers and entertainers Thomas Ngauru, Sonny Daniel and Teata Nga are the judges for the event.

Ngauru said: “It’s always great to hear new singers, and it’s always nice to hear a new voice.”

“As a judge you notice little improvements they can do here and there to really reach their full potential.

“We did notice that they were nervous, but, despite their nerves they were all really great along with the selection of their songs,” he said.

Next Wednesday, October 6 is the third and last heat of the karaoke competition.

Karaoke singer Ashleigh Wihongi-Willis gave it her all during her performance of ‘Begging for Mercy’ by Duffy. 21093002.

Karaoke singers in round 2 of the CIGFC 2021 Karaoke Idol competition. From left: Yvette Takaiti, Mii Moetaua, Tarita Willis, Ashleigh Wihongi-Willis, Kiana Puna, Sarah Bigot, Jason Tamakino and Mark Gonzales. 21093001.