Frontrange Singing COmpetition

Singers from Peterson, Schriever, and the United States Air Force Academy return to the stage after entertaining audience members who attended the Frontrange Stars 2009 singing competition at the Base Auditorium Nov. 20. Performers competed for first, second, and third place as well as audience favorite in an annual competition that brings together both local military and civilian talent from across Colorado Springs. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Jessica Hines)

Women dominate; take home top awards for Frontrange Stars 2009

Published Nov. 30, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Jessica P. Hines
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Singers from Peterson, Schriever, and The United States Air Force Academy entertained audience members in the Frontrange Stars 2009 singing competition at the Base Auditorium Nov. 20.

Hosted by the Team Pete Junior Enlisted Association, more than a dozen performers brought their talent to the stage in hopes of taking home first place.

The winner of the event, Cheerish Martin, granddaughter of Glenneth Hughes, Joint Personal Property Shipping Office Colorado Springs, sang "I'm A Woman" from the Broadway musical "Smokey Joe's Café."

"It is one of my favorite musicals," said Ms. Martin, musical theater major at the University of Northern Colorado in her junior year.

A few singers were influenced by their loved ones in their song choice such as Steven Daniels, 21st Space Wing Protocol Office, who sang "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait, Grammy Award-winning American country music singer.

"It's a great love song, that's why I chose to sing it, cause I knew she was coming", said Mr. Daniels in reference to his fiancé in the audience.

Second runner-up was Robyn Weiss, spouse of Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Weiss from Strategic Command at Schriever, who sang "Respect" from "Ella Enchanted."

Third runner-up was Senior Airman Charis Ford, JPPSO Colorado Springs, who sang Aretha Franklin's "Think," the classic R&B song featured in the movie "The Blues Brothers."

Audience favorite was determined by applause and went to Cara Fitzgerald, daughter of Mark Fitzgerald, North American Aerospace Defense Command/North Command Center, who sang "That's How You Know" from the movie "Enchanted."

As an added bonus to the night, awards were presented by Mai Fitzgerald, 1984 Miss USA and volunteer for the event.

The event was produced entirely by volunteers from all over Colorado Springs including military and civilian personnel.