A chance at karaoke stardom

Heading into Saturday's International Bowling Karaoke Superstar competition, Lena McCall had a pretty good idea who her biggest competition would be.

It was Shawn, a tall country boy who wore spurs on stage and belted out ballads. Lena knew he would be tough to beat, she is married to him, after all.

"He always wins, he always kicks my butt. Every time we do this he does it," Lena said.

With last year's winner and perennial favorite Sunni Tierney not competing in the competition this year, it looked like the McCalls had a good shot at being the two finalists, which meant a trip to the California Regionals for a shot at the National Karaoke Finals in Las Vegas, a recording contract and $5,000 cash prize.

The contest was judged by Than and Susan Cornell and guest judge John Procaccini, executive director of the Brewery Arts Center.

There were 25 competitors at Carson Lanes on Saturday night, all hoping to wind up with the trophy, $200 cash prize and a recording session at the BAC.

Angel Newhall of Carson City was hoping this was her year to win, after winning a competition in Winnemucca and competing in the contest last year.

"I've been in a couple of contests. I always try to compete because people get mad at me if I don't," Newhall said.

After the first round, Newhall sized up her biggest competition and surprisingly it wasn't the McCalls.

"The biggest competition is one of the new girls, she's really good. There's a couple of new people here I've never seen before, so it's hard to tell," Newhall said.

Newhall also offered some advice to the new competitors, avoid singing the Garth Brooks song "Friends in Low Places."

"You hear that song in every bar and karaoke night and it comes from the people who are already drunk, so avoid that one," Newhall said.

The selections for the contest included songs by Elton John, Mel Torme, Kenny Rogers, Trick Pony, Otis Redding, Leann Rimes, Martina McBride and two Garth Brooks songs, "The Dance" and "Friends in Low Places."

That new girl Newhall was worried about was Trisha Zinda, a Carson City native who co-owns a concierge business and sings at weddings and funerals.

Saturday was her first karaoke competition and also her first win as her renditions of "Broken Wing" and "Blue" won her first place.

"I had no idea, I just wanted to come out with my friends and have some fun," Zinda said.

Lena McCall finished third, just behind her husband who managed to again best his wife.

"Really, it's every time," she said smiling.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.