Emily Ellet Wins 10th Annual MetroStar Talent Challenge

Anthony Alfaro and Joan Crowe Are Runners-Up

August 24, 2017

On Monday August 21 at NYC’S Metropolitan Room, Emily Ellet was named the 2017 MetroStar Talent Challenge winner. Anthony Alfaro was named 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up, Joan Crowe, was also given the Innovation Award.

The winner’s prize package includes a Met Room major engagement (in 2018) and multi-track recording of the live show. Alfaro and Crowe will open for Ellet on alternating nights.

Additional honors went to 16-year-old Jackie Mate (Audience Favorite Award) and Evan Dolan (Best New Artist Award).

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Photo: Fred Cohen Photography

On hand to entertain was the 2016 MetroStar winner David Baida, 2012 MetroStar Billie Roe, and Doris Dear.

This year’s permanent jury included Doris Dear,  Billie Roe, the Metropolitan Room’s booking manager and cabaret producer Joseph Macchia, and cabaret journalist Roy Sander, who has served as jury chairman since the contest’s inception.

Tom Gamblin served as master of ceremonies and talent wrangler. The contest’s music direction duties were shared by Jeff Cubeta and Tracy Stark. Lina Koutrakos served as MetroStar’s resident mentor, offering performance-improving tips to the competitors.

The contest’s co-producers are Met Room owner Bernie Furshpan, Met Room technical director Jean-Pierre Perreaux, Macchia, Gamblin, and Beck Lee.