Jacob Kaumualii Kailiwai-Ching was crowned Hawaiian Idol following finals held April 29 at KBXtreme in Kailua-Kona.
Kailiwai-Ching will receive more than $3,000 in cash and prizes including $500 cash from Kona Brewing Co., airfare and lodging expenses to take part in the Talent Quest National Karaoke Contest at the Tropicana Resort and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada.
The competition is slated Sept. 10 to 17, said Summer Carrick, marketing director for KBXtreme, which sponsored the 14th annual competition along with Kona Brewing Co. and KWXXFM.
Kailiwai-Ching will also receive performance outfitting by Wahine Toa Designs, hair by 101 Salon &Spa, and a Zip and Dip trip for two by KapohoKine Adventures.
“Well, it was definitely a long and eventful night at the 14th annual Hawaiian Idol competition! I just wanna thank everyone who supported all of us who sang our hearts out on stage. I am honored to say that I am ‘The Hawaiian Idol.’ I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish any of this if it weren’t for the support from my family and friends!,” Kailiwai-Ching said after the win.
Kailiwai-Ching then went on to make the night even more special, closing the show with a proposal.
“I love all of you! I also want to send a special and eternal love and thanks to the love of my life. Momi DeLeon-Dinson you have done nothing but love me and support me with no hesitation. There’s no other woman who I would rather spend the rest of my life with! I can officially say that you, my love, are my fiancée. I love you babe. Mahalo again everyone. Ke aloha loa.”
Royce Desilva, who placed second, won a Sunshine Helicopters tour for two, and a Zip and Dip trip for two from Kapohokine Adventures. Third place Hawaiian Idol winner Grace Vallez won a Zip &Dip trip for two from Kapohokine Adventures. Tee Lubguban and Kiona Boyd finished in the top five this year, receiving a three-hour bowling party for six.
Hawaiian Idol is a free month-long competition showcasing the Big Island’s finest karaoke stars, with one being crowed Hawaiian Idol to represent the Big Island on the big stage in Nevada.
For the first 12 years, the event showcased the best adult karaoke stars from KBXtreme’s XFactor Karaoke Lounge sending the winner to the national competition in Nevada. In its 13th year, the sponsors began working with community partners to build a program to showcase younger island talent in the first-ever Jr. Hawaiian Idol.
Info: www.kbxtreme.com or email info@kbxtreme.com. ■