Surprise donation staggers Pride Star Talent Show Finals

The third annual Pride Star! Karaoke competition may have ended this year but for Niko Jaquez, it is only the beginning.

Niko held his trophy high on Sunday as he waved to a cheering crowd  including his number one fan, his mother. Niko walks away with $2,500.00 in prize money, a fully produced original track and air play on the gay Internet network StudioOut.com.
Niko’s Pride Star! journey began at Hamburger Marys as he took one of three spots in the quarterfinals.  He then moved on to the semi-final round and  competed against eleven other contestants.  The Semi-finals began on Saturday at the Main stage at Long Beach Pride.  This years semi-finals and final rounds were hosted by the talented Christine O’ Leary, or as she like to be called, ” The gay Ryan Seacrest”.  The evening ended with a tie for third sending Niko and three hopefuls to the final round on Sunday.

The drama did not end there.  A generous man from the audience began to wave cash  towards the four finalists as they stood on the stage.  This man, identified later as Dr. Alqaisi,  generously donated $3000.00 to be split between the three finalist in the final round.  He later stated he was on his way somewhere else and stopped to listen.  He was touched by the singing and the performers.   This amazing gift assured all that nobody was going to be going home empty handed.

The final round of competition began with  a sizzling performance  by previous Pride Star! winner, Tom Crowe singing “Fever”.  The four finalist took the stage each singing two songs for the judges.  After an evening of great performances, the results were in and  ”Chandra”  was named fourth runner up, Jonathan Jimenez took third and Latonius placed second.  Niko won over the judges and the crowd with his first performance of “I’ll be” by Edwin McCain and an applause meter breaking final song ,” I’m feeling good”.   Niko Jaquez took first place becoming the Third Annual Pride Star! winner.

This year’s competition was filled with talented, gifted artists and we all hope to see them compete again next year.