by Shaun Knittel - SGN Staff Writer

The Seattle Out and Proud (SOAP) 2009 Pride Idol final show took place June 23 at R Place with a dazzling lineup of the city's hottest undiscovered talent, celebrity guest judges, and cash and prize giveaways.

Each week, beginning May 12, a group of singers competed for a slot in the final show. At the finale, the winners from the previous five rounds (and one wildcard), Ryan McCabe, Meighan Doherty, Joseph Garcia, Laura Etling, Sabrina Krause, Jonathan Noble, and Carrie Decaires returned in hopes of out singing the other champs. In the end, only one would be named Seattle's Pride Idol.

The show's host, Eduardo Khawam, emceed the event, and the talented and charismatic DJ Sexual Chocolate provided music. The panel of judges included DJ Eric Medina, dance-recording artist Jacinta (who also performed her Pride anthem hit "Set You Free"), Eric Lanes Barnes, and Lady Chablis - an R Place icon. Each Idol contestant was judged at the end of his or her second song.

After nearly two hours of entertainment, the standing-room-only crowd got the chance to text their vote for their favorite Idol contestant to Verizon Wireless.

After all the votes were tallied, Laura Etling was named the 2009 Seattle Pride Idol. She received a $1,000 cash prize and will perform on the float during the June 28 Pride Parade. The runner-up was Carrie Decaires, while third place went to Sabrina Krause, who also won the special "Best in Style" category.

 Share on Facebook

Share on MySpace!

    Share on Delicious

Share on StumbleUpon!