Finalists Announced for Ella Fitzgerald Competition: Videos, Photos

The Blues Alley Jazz Society, the Smithsonian Institution and the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation have named the five finalists for the second annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition in Washington, D.C.

The finalists are: Erik Leuthaeuser of Berlin; Sarah Rossy of Toronto; Sarah Moyers of Burke, Virginia; Monica Pabelonio of Boston; and Dalia Nasr of Alexandria, Virginia.

The five performed selections from Ella Sings Jobim on Saturday, April 28 at the Smithsonian Institution for the final competition. Serving as celebrity judge will be singer-guitarist John Pizzarelli.

The first place winner will receive $1,500 and perform as the opening act for Pizzarelli on Sunday, April 29 at Blues Alley. Second prize will receive $500 and a plaque recognizing the achievement, and the remaining individuals will receive $250 and plaques for third place.

We are pleased to announce the five (5) finalists for the 2nd annual Ella Fitzgerald Competition. This year’s five finalists are truly global ambassadors. After receiving submissions from all around the world our distinguished panel of judges narrowed down the finalists as follows:

1. Erik Leuthaeuser (Berlin, Germany)
2. Sarah Rossy (Toronto, Canada)
3. Sarah Moyers (Burke, Virginia)
4. Monica, Pabelonio (Boston, Massachusetts)
5. Dalia Nasr (Alexandria, Virginia)

The final competition will occur on Saturday, April 28th at the Smithsonian Institution between 11:00 am -3:00 pm. The song selections are from the seminal 1981 recording “Ella Sings Jobim” and the public is invited to attend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efmI7bKjDC8