By Liz McBreen
Sarantis is on her way to becoming the next superstar from Long Island. As one of the finalists in 106.1 WBLI's "Island Idol" contest, based on popular television, she's in the running for a chance to perform at the station's Summer Jam 2003 Concert.
Sarantis heard about the contest as she listened to Steve and Maria's morning show on March 28. The next morning she registered for the contest and took her place in line at Sunrise Mall with hundreds other idol hopefuls. "I heard about the contest, and I thought, 'I can do this,'" said the 18-year-old, who has always felt at home in front of an audience. Sarantis has been singing since childhood, and through the years has repeatedly impressed family and friends with her performances in school.
The competition began at noon on March 29. When her turn came, Sarantis recorded her 30-second audition tape, singing a cappella in front of the other contestants. Having arrived early, she was number 29 in line out of about 300 hopefuls. The competition was based on the contestants' performance and appearance during the audition. They received some feedback from the judges after their auditions, but Sarantis and the other nine finalists had to wait until March 31 to find out who was in.
"My sister told me not to go to school that day so that I could listen to the show," said Sarantis, "but I didn't think I had made the top 10." She did indeed, and having gone to school, she missed the announcement on the radio. "I heard later on that day, and I couldn't believe it," she said.
The contestants' status is based on the weekly votes they receive through the WBLI Web site, where voters can read their profiles, listen to recordings of their auditions and additional songs that were recorded in the WBLI studios.
The first round of elimination came on April 7, and Sarantis was one of the eight contestants to move on to round two. After another week of voting, she once again moved on, along with four others, to round three.
Last Monday, the votes came in again: Sarantis made it into the fourth round with two other finalists.
The prize for the contest winner is a day at a Cactus Hair Salon and Day Spa and a $1,500 scholarship package from Nustars, which includes a photo shoot with a top photographer, commercial training with a professional coach and casting opportunities in both New York and Los Angeles.
But for Sarantis, it's the possibility of performing at Summer Jam that really interests her. "It's the reason I entered the contest," she said. "If I win, I will be ready, and I am going to sing the longest song you have ever heard. I would also get a day at a spa, but I don't care about that!"
The winner will be brought to the May 25 show in a limousine and be treated to a hotel room and a backstage dressing room. The grand prize also includes an all-access pass at the Jones Beach concert and 10 V.I.P. tickets as well as a chance to meet scheduled guests LL Cool J, Michelle Branch, Shaggy and Lisa Marie Presley.
Although she is planning to attend Adelphi University in the fall, Sarantis has not yet decided on a major. She does know that she will always want to sing, and she enjoys the constant encouragement of family, friends and teachers. "Everyone at school has been so supportive," she said. "I didn't really expect that. My family has been great, too. They call me during the day at work and tell me what percentage of votes I have."
Now that Sarantis has made it to "Phase 4" of the voting process, she will record another full-length song that voters can hear on the station's Web site. The next elimination will take place on April 28, leaving two finalists. The winner will be announced during Steve and Maria's morning show on May 5. To cast your vote for the fifth round of the contest, go to www.wbli.com.
