March 31, 2004     Saratoga, California Since 1955
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Photograph by George Sakkestad
Andra Gheorghiu sang her heart out at the Saratoga High School Idol competition on March 24. She placed first among three finalists, bringing home $50 and a large tray of food from Max's Restaurant.
Andra has a voice even Simon would like
By My Ngo
Move over, Kelly Clarkson and Rubin Studdard—there's a new kid on the block, and she may very well be the next American Idol.

Don't be fooled by her looks. Saratoga High School's Andra Gheorghiu may have an infectious smile, a sweet personality and a petite frame, but she's got a voice that can move mountains.

At least that's what it did for judges Kim Anzalone, Amy Obenour and Mike Boitz and the swarm of students who attended SHS' first-ever Saratoga Idol competition on March 24 inside the small theater.

Sporting a trendy wardrobe—a fitting green tank top, a short green skirt and matching green eye shadow—the freshman first blew the audience away with her version of R&B singer Kandi's "Don't Think I'm Not," despite a technical difficulty that occurred in the middle of her performance.

"I think she's ready for a recording contract right now!" announced Anzalone after her performance.

Ten talented and brave souls sang their hearts out that night, but Andra was one of three who made it to the final round.

"I'm so happy I won," she says. "I didn't even think I'd make it to the final round. I didn't know what to expect."

Unprepared to hear the good news, Andra didn't even have a second song to sing for the final round. She ended up singing Maya's "Case of the Ex" a cappella.

"I came up with the idea in the bathroom during one of the breaks," she says.

Sharing the spotlight were second-place winner Chanel Aveni and third-place finisher Adrienne Barringer.

Singing Christina Aguilera's "I Turn To You" in a black-and-white ensemble, Chanel, otherwise labeled as Chanel No. 1 by Obenour, captivated judges with her range of pitches.

"Chanel, I have two words for you—Hella Sick," Boitz commented in a Simon Cowell-like demeanor. "Bravo. You have a beautiful alto range."

Her performance even compelled James Liu, the Asian version of American Idol's Ryan Seacrest, to comment.

"That was a Cha-mazing performance," he said.

Each of the winners received Chipotle burritos and a $10 gift certificate to either Ravioli's or Tengu Sushi. But Andra also went home $50 richer.

Participants like Chanel and Amanda Batanides, a senior contestant who rocked the theater with her Britney Spears performance, say they did it not to win, but for school spirit.

"I had fun," Chanel says. "I'll be happy for whoever wins. I just hope the audience doesn't vote on popularity, but on talent."

By the end of the night, Amanda—a Spears-look-alike dressed in pigtails and a hot pink tank top with white pants—was still pumped up.

"I didn't care about the winning part," she says. "I think the girls who made it to the final round deserved it."

Students have the junior class officers to thank for putting the event together.

Close to 25 students showed up for auditions, which were held from March 16 through 18.

Sumin Lee, the class vice president, was the one who came up with the idea as a way to raise money for future events.

"Everybody loves the real show," Sumin says. "So, why not bring it to Saratoga? We figured it would be successful since pop culture is so embedded in our culture."

Anzalone says she's not only impressed with the class for organizing the show, but also the performers.

"There are no clear-cut winners," she says. "They're all talented. It takes a lot of guts to sing in front of a large group. The kids are laying themselves out on the line."

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