"In
2002 The Rose of Tralee International Festival introduced
a talent contest in association with Louis Walsh called
Rose Idol. They came from far and near and boy could
they sing!
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The
competition ran from Saturday 24th to Monday
26th incl. There were lots of auditions and
fun was had by all, including some of the Mammies
and Daddies who found themselves auditioning
for Treasure Island trio - Bee, Sean and Mark
as well as some of the Roses and their Escorts.
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click
on photo
Liz
Desmond winner of Rose Idol 2002!
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Professional
singers Mary O' Regan, Catherine Teahan and
Catriona O'Sullivan were on hand with pre-audition
coaching as well as national choreographer Caymen
Collins and even pep talks from for eg. talented
singer himself, Brian Crowley MEP.
80
lucky finalists were brought back on Monday,
the level of talent was evident by the judges
unwillingness to bring back less than 40 (20
was the original number). Unfortunately Louis
Walsh was unable to get to the judging but Linda
Martin knew what he was looking for.
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click on photo
Liz
singing on Ashe stage
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She
congratulated each and every finalist and
expressed her delight on the level of talent,
but she did remind all young hopefuls that
showbiz is not a pleasant life so be warned!!
However
that could not dampen the excitement and jubilation
of Rose Idol winner Liz Desmond from Cork.
Liz
on being pronounced the winner was caught
up in the media buzz of flashing lightbulbs,
microphones and interviews - fame already!
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Following
that she spoke with Louis Walsh in the UK and
then she was whisked off to Dunnes Stores where
they dressed her for her performance with SIX
live on the Ashe Stage - special escort was
arranged to get her to the stage through the
thronged streets of Tralee.
Liz
sang a storm and had the crowd eating out of
her hand - what a start! Lots of interviews
followed the next morning including live radio
broadcasts. Then it was off to Iota where Liz
was decked out in a stunning dress for the VIP
magazine reception at the Brandon Hotel. Liz's
Nan Olive was also given the royal treatment
by Weardrobe and her Granda Larry was not to
be left out with Sean Hussey providing the tux!
Following
the VIP reception the group were escorted to
vip seats at the Rose of Tralee Selection night.
Since winning Liz is balancing her Leaving Cert.
with her professional ambitions.
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click
on each page of KISS magazine
Liz's
photo shoot in KISS magazine - part of her prize
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Liz's other prize was to record a single and she will
be doing this with the talented producer Andy Reynolds
of Uplift Entertainment (he has produced *NSYNC and
East 17 and many other famous acts).
So
for 2002 ROSE IDOL, Liz Desmond, the only way seems
to be up…Go
Girl!"
