MIAMI (Monday, June 27, 2005) --The Miami Idol competition has returned for its second year, with a batch of fresh faces and ton of talent. On Saturday, the City of Miami’s talent search began with a celebrity judged elimination at the Miami Children’s Museum. Twenty-one gifted youth belted out songs from such artist as Selena, Mariah Carey, and Donnie McClurkin; there were also self written rap songs and theatrical renditions.

The panel of judges included: Monica Williams, 103.5 The BEAT; Liza Gallardo-Walton, City of Miami West Flagler NET; Sam Joseph, Miami Children’s Museum; Ray Benzino, Owner Source Magazine; Albert Wilcox, Miami IDOL Production Director; Michael Hopkins, Artist Management.

Although it was a tough decision, the judges’ cut eliminated the pool to thirteen (13) finalists. The 2005 Miami Idol Finalists are: Felix Rios, 14years old Miami Jackson Sr. High; 3 Deep (Deandre Powell, Rodney Jones, Dontrell Knight), 15 years old American Sr. High; Jenisvel Borges, 13 years old S. Miami Middle; Ishmael Lee Beatty, 11 years old Olinda Elementary; Nuria Cienfuegos, 13 years old Shenandoah Middle; Jenesee Borges, 10 years old Coral Gables Elementary; Pierre Funderburk, 15 New World School of Arts; Isaiah Dawson, 17 years old Miami Northwestern Sr. High; Nicole Clark, 17 New World School of Arts; Expressions(David Gaines, Lamont Broadwater, and Kalan) 16 years old William Turner Technical & Miami Beach Sr. High; Jennifer Cespedes, 12 Paul Bell Middle; Melissa Andino, 17 Miami Sr. High; Tanaka Bryant, 13 Parkway Middle.

These 13 finalists will participate in a five week training and performance based competition where the community’s online votes will decide who will be the 2005 Miami IDOL. The live performances, which are free of charge and open to the public, will also be aired on Channel 9 the week after each showcase.

Log on to www.miamigov.com to vote for your favorite performer. Residents are also encouraged to visit their nearest park to vote online, at City of Miami e-Parks, using computers available for public use and the local Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) office. Contestants will be eliminated until three remain and the winner will be announced at the grand finale on July 29th at the Gusman Theatre.

For more information contact the Model City NET office at (305) 795-2303.