Jordis Unga & Gabrielle Sterbenz
Twenty-seven-year-old Gabrielle Sterbenz from Long Island won tonight's Adult Singer preliminary round. Jordis Unga, a 21-year-old from St. Paul, Minnesota sang first, singing the soulful "It Hurt's So Bad." Next to take the stage was Gabrielle, who sang Celine Dion's "Have You Ever Been in Love?" All three Judges commended her performance, with MC Lyte complimenting her "tone," Naomi calling her "elegant" and Matti Leshem proclaiming she had "a beautiful voice." With 14 stars, Gabrielle moved on to face the Winners' Circle.
With the first part of the competition over, Gabrielle then had to face the Winners' Circle. She challenged Vickie Natale, who sang "Giving Me Something He Can Feel" by En Vogue. With a perfect 15 stars, Vickie will continue in the Winners' Circle on Saturday, March 6 at 8pm ET/PT.
Winners' Circle
After learning that the Winners' Circle members would be performing for the Navy, Vickie Natale said she was "really excited to sing for the troops." But before they could perform, the Adult Singers learned they would have to elect a leader to organize a group performance. Freedom Bremner was chosen to be the group leader and to direct their performance of the Star Spangled Banner. Vickie said of Freedom's leadership, "Freedom knows what he wants; he tells us this is what we're gonna do."
Jake admitted he was "kind of wondering if things were gonna pull together," but after their successful performance in front of the troops he said "everybody totally pulled it together at the last minute, and we had such a good time." The troops seemed thrilled with the Adult Singers' concert, and Vickie said, "performing for the Navy was an experience I'll never forget."
Even though the Adult Singers Winners' Circle has so far been impenetrable, Jake and Vickie are still focused on keeping their place in the circle until the Finals. Vickie said she's "pulling out all the stops," and Jake warns: "To anybody who might challenge me, I'm gonna pour my guts out on the stage." Freedom, who is already guaranteed a spot in the Finals, said he's taking a little time off, but forewarns: "I'm still on my game."
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