M'town Girl Makes Cut in Freehold Idol

One more Middletown talent has made a final cut in the Freehold Idol contest.

The competition returned to the front of the Hall of Records Wednesday night. And, of the eight auditioning performers, a teen from the Lincroft section of Middletown ended up being one of three to move on to the final round.

Avery Mandeville, 16, of Lincroft, sang and played guitar to her winning rendition of “First Day of My Life.” The performance garnered her the top recognition in the 15- to 22-year-old age group.

Earlier in the month, Lincroft's little Leah Nawy was one of three finalists who proved her mettle when she stood before the microphone and sang Billy Joel’s “Vienna” in front of the crowd of approximately 75 people. Nawy won the 10- to 14-year-old category.

Middletown resident Nicole Salviolo,17, also competed Wednesday with her well-received, guitar-accompanied version of "It Doesn't Hurt" but did not make the finals.

The event was co-hosted by Lisa Anderson and Randy Davis of 107.1 FM The Breeze. This week’s judging team included Freehold Borough Arts Council President Neal Girandola, singer Brenda K. Starr, and Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts founder Joe Orlando.

In the 10 to 14 age group, Sofia LoMonaco, of Marlboro, showed off a voice that the judges felt belied her 12 years. LoMonaco’s performance of “Beauty and the Beast” pushed her into the finals.

Bill Gagliardi, 70, of Lakewood, came out on top for the 23 and over age group. Gagliardi, a singer and actor who has appeared in five episodes of “The Sopranos,” covered “Luck Be a Lady” from the musical Guys and Dolls.

The three singers will move on to the final round, which will be held Wednesday, Aug. 17 and Wednesday, Aug. 24.

The first place winner in each age group will receive $500 and recording time at the Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts; the second place winner will receive $250; and the third place winner will receive $100. Freehold Idol is sponsored by Downtown Freehold, the business partnership in Freehold Borough.