Two local jazz-inspired karaoke singers will compete with eight others from around the region today for $5,000 and the title of "Ultimate Idol."
Katie Haakenstad of Everett and Tony Cea of Mukilteo will perform for judges and a crowd from noon to 2 p.m. at the SuperMall of the Northwest in Auburn, 1101 SuperMall Way.
The two mailed demo tapes to Mix 92.5 FM, which chose them to be on the air. Then listeners voted for the two as finalists. The 10 final performers will sing in the style of the "American Idol" television show, with a microphone and background music.
Cea, a former national karaoke champion who works for a karaoke company, will sing the Etta James song "At Last." "I’m confident with my song," he said. "I’m really glad that I’m singing ‘At Last.’ "
Haakenstad will sing Lena Horne’s "Stormy Weather." If she wins, she will use the money to get her master’s degree in teaching.
"I think it’s just going to be fun. I’m hoping the other contestants are fun and laid back," she said. "It will be a good opportunity to see how good I really am and kind of push myself a little."
Reporter Jennifer Warnick: 425-339-3429 or jwarnick@heraldnet.com.
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