Maura Mazzer Wins Brandon Idol Contest ... Again

As her mother sat in the back of the room in her wheelchair watching intently, Riverview resident Maura Mazzer impressed judges a second time at Saturday's Brandon Idol Contest with her theatrical style and clear vocal interpretation of a Broadway song.

The 2004 winner of the 10-year-old Brandon Idol Contest, Mazzer was invited back this year for a repeat performance and the chance to vie for the contest's first-ever cash prize of $500.

"That was incredible," said Larry Becker of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, one of three judges for the contest, following Mazzer's performance.

"Your voice was amazing and I loved the way you acted through the song," said judge Cyndi Edwards, co-host of the "Daytime" show on WFLA-TV.

"You are a great singer," concurred judge GaryElvis. "That was very, very good. I pictured a Broadway stage as I watched you perform."

Thanking the judges, Mazzer gave credit to her mother for encouraged her singing over the years.

"I dedicate this to my mom who is my biggest supporter," said Mazzer.

Mazzer, however, had some tough competition for the title. Among them was second-place winner Tammy Groff of Brandon, the 2006 winner of the Brandon Idol contest.

"You belong in an arena," said Becker after Groff performed an energetic version of "Just Swingin'." "You definitely have stage presence."

"The talent here tonight is so incredible," said Edwards. "I'm so proud to live in this area."

The judges also were wowed by Riverview resident James Hemenway's renditon of "It's Now or Never," as well as a performance by last year's Teen Idol winner, 17-year-old Jonathan Mousset, who did a Vegas-style version of "Come Fly Away."

Former Brandon Idol winner Britt Lobato also earned high praise from the judges, singing a song in honor of his mother who recently died after a battle with cancer.

Others contenders included Pedro Amaral, Brittany Brown, Racquel Elliot, Lazarus Lastres, Erica Saenz, Alexander Shaw IV and Beyoncie Staley.

Also performing at the event were Chris Halfman, who won the People's Choic Award, raising 1,060 for charity, Dave Loebig, Tony Gregorio and GaryElvis.

Procceeds from the event benefitted the Brandon Area YMCA's send-a-kid-to-camp program.