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By Melody Zhang (Junior at Saratoga High)
The annual Saratoga Idol contest brought the Saratoga community together on March 5 for a night of surprising performances by various Saratoga High students. Sophomore Maddy Renalds swept the audience off their feet as she took home first place with her rendition of “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones. The contest was hosted by the junior class as a fundraiser; approximately $1,571 was raised.
This year’s judges included Biology teacher Lisa Cochrum, English teacher Catherine Head, and English teacher Erick Rector. Juniors Rishi Taggarsi and Tim Tsai stepped in as entertaining emcees for the competition.
The program was started off by Saratoga Idol 2007 winner, senior Katie Stevens, with "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera. The contestants were rather diversified in terms of age this year. The contestants included senior Ryan Ogihara; juniors Juliana Lustenader and Brian Tsai; sophomores Pooja Desai, Samantha Pack, Deepti Raghavan, Chris Renalds and Maddy Renalds; and freshmen Hannah Harter and Taara Rangan.
“Instead of it being based on popularity and seniority this year, it was mostly judged on the person's performance and singing ability, [which was good],” said junior Elizabeth Shin.
Underclassmen were extremely powerful this year; Renalds and Rangan came in first and third place respectively, and Ogihara won second place.
“I was completely surprised and did not expect to win at all, and when they announced the results, if you were around me, you would know that my jaw literally dropped,” said Rangan, who actually had a cold the day of the competition.
After her performance, Rangan called out judge Rector on an unknown promise to sing for the audience. Although he at first put off the request, Rector finally surprised everyone with a Hindi song.
After the contestants performed and while the judges were deciding the winners, seniors Nikhil Kaul and ..., and juniors Sacha Maniar and Brian Tsai performed two comedic songs for the audience. Kaul and ... sang “ “ by ---. Maniar and Tsai acted out “ “ by ---.
“I didn’t expect so many people to come since we didn’t have much time to publicize it,” said junior class president Yeun Byun. “[The junior class officers] weren’t sure what to expect. We were so happy with the results of the show.”
The success of this year’s competition has left many waiting eagerly for next year.
“I’m a little sad I can’t compete in next year’s competition,” said Renalds. “But I still look forward to it.”
Juliana Lustenader (Junior) - "Are You Happy Now?" by Michelle Branch
Sam Pack (Sophomore) - "I Am Nothing" by Whitney Houston
Chris Renalds (Sophomore) - "How to Save a Life" by The Fray
Deepti Raghavan (Sophomore) - "So Small" by Carrie Underwood
Brian Tsai (Junior) - "I'm Goin' Down" by Mary J. Blige
Pooja Desai (Sophomore) - "My Immortal" by Evanescence
Ryan Ogihara (Senior) - "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
Hannah Harter (Freshman) - "Imagine Me Without You" by Jaci Velasquez
Maddy Renalds (Sophomore) - "Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones
Taara Rangan (Freshman) - "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" from the musical "Hairspray".
By Melody Zhang
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