Voice of Pride individual winner Dru Rivera, from left, and group winners Spare Parts, made up of Angie Landers and Robert Olivas. (Photos by Gregory Hayes/Dallas Voice)
On Sunday night, the Rose Room hosted the 2001 Voice of Pride finals and, with some surprises. The competition started in early June and whittled down from hundreds of entrants to a strong handful of talent. With 10 solo finalists and three groups competing for top honors, the night belonged to both new and old faces.
The competition for group contestants grew exponentially. Steelos and AMP(H) rounded out the group finalists but by the end of it all, one group rose above the rest. Spare Parts set a high bar delivering oodles of chemistry and charm. As soloists, both are fine performers, but Robert Olivas and Angie Landers brought out something in each other that I hadn’t seen from either before. Landers was letting the audience have it as she poured her heart into Jason Aldean’s “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” Olivas let her shine but didn’t disappear by solidly holding up his end of the vocals and even performance. It really was a great moment as they finished to rousing applause, and this was only their first song. They followed up with the punchier “Stuck Like Glue” by Sugarland. With simple but effective choreography, they delighted with a strong showing and even the bauble at the end of the song added charm rather than detriment.
“After six years, it’s finally happened,” Olivas said while walking to the Round-Up Saloon for a post-victory celebration. Their excitement on stage after the announcement was a genuinely sweet moment.
In the individual competition, the decision had to have been a difficult one. Each of the 10 finalists delivered strongly and feasibly, any of them could have deservedly taken it home. But in the end, Dru Rivera crooned a beautiful “Cryin'” and rocked out with “Dream On,” and he ended up with the title of Voice of Pride. I figured he’d place high, but thought the winner might have been between Angie Landers and Kristen Philips. Landers was riding high from her strong performances with Olivas, and Philips killed everyone in the room with her rendition of “River Deep, Mountain High.” But Vanessa Guzman rallied with a strong second song — a fun and engaging “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” by Etta James. But it was Rivera’s connection to his inner rock god that I think pushed him to the top. He body-slammed the audience with his take on the signature Aerosmith tune and proved that even classic rock can win over a gay crowd. The other top finalists included 4th runner-up Joel Canales, 3rd runner-up Juliana Jeffrey, 2nd runner-up Kristen Philips and 1st runner-up Vanessa Guzman.
It was a riveting moment because I think Rivera’s victory came as a surprise to some being that there were more familiar faces in the running, but the audience still roared and applauded his win. Interestingly, it was his first time to participate in the event. As the winner, he won a $3,000 cash prize, a trip to Puerto Rico and a performance at Pride in September.
I want to congratulate all the winners! You all were so amazing and it was truly an honor to sing with all of you! Congrats to Dru for his win! It was truly deserved! To the group Spare Parts, it was an honor to compete with you! Congrats on your win Angie & Robert! I can’t wait for next year! The talent just gets better and better!
Nice article but i’m pissed about the results. I’ve attempted to compete in vop once and vowed to never do it again. Vop has turned into a karaoke contest disguised with hype and sponsorship. I thought vop had redeemed itself when they announced mel arizpe as the vop winner last year. I thought, finally they are getting back to the vocals and leaving this showmanship/crowd reaction crap behind but once again, here we are! Vop is a VOCAL competiton. I felt horrible for those contestants left standing on the stage last night. Some of who delivered text book vocal performances. They showed vocal ability and vocal control only to be defeated by a screaming “rock god” that could be heard at any karaoke bar. I have a suggestion for the contestants. If you chose to compete next year, don’t pick a song that shows your vocal ability. Just pick a song that you can get through that will bring the crowd to their feet. May i suggest sweet caroline or perhaps pour some sugar on me. That will bring the alcohol fueled crowd to their feet and make the judges believe that you are awesome because you got a standing ovation. Please!!
My comment is for the judges and i am very familiar with the Voice of Pride competition. I was seated directly behind the judges and i observed and heard some things that have led me to believe that this competition may not have been judged fairly. Is this the only panel of judges that we are able to find to judge this competition? Tavern guild, are you listening? There are thousands of music professionals in dallas who are capable of judging this competition and would probably be willing to do so. These contestants need and deserve a fresh panel of judges. In my opinion and what i observed last night, some of the repeat finalist (who earned their spots) are not being judged fairly. Every year they have to perform in front of the same judges who have already formed an opinion about them. You don’t believe what i’m saying? Just look at the top 5. Almost all of them are 1st time vop competitors. When they walked on stage the judges had never seen them before and they were faced forward and very attentive. When some of the repeat finalist walked on stage, the judges were talking to the person next to them, talking across the table, and some of them were even laughing. What could you possibly have to discuss while these performers are on stage? Could you be discussing their scores to ensure that some place and some don’t? Voice of Pride is supposed to be judged on an olympic style scoring but olympic style scoring only works if the judges keep their eyes on their own paper and keep their mouths shut. I realize that these judges took 3-4 hours out of their day to judge this competition but these contestants devote their entire summer to vop. The judges at a minimum owe ALL of these contestants respect, silence and your complete attention while they are performing. If you are unable to do that, please don’t agree to judge this competition. Thank you.
i just love how people wana break down winners and just for the record i love how apperantly steven tyler according to other post has no vocal ability or control and writes music for “karaoke bars” reason i say that is cause if u happened to have heard the winner sing u would notice that in his song was a huge range that he did nail very well i understand maybe people think its unfair at times ( cause they did not win or a friend of theres ) but get over it and if that does not help why dont u bust out with ur shoe in song sweet caroline since its that easy to win it.
To Unfair Judgement and Chad: if the singer cannot hold the judges’ attention, he or she is not getting the job done! Period. And no one gets the job done like Dru. He has the musicality, vocal range, experience, showmanship, style, and passion of a winning performer! Way to go, Dru!
Oh yay! A straight guy who we never see around the community is our new voice of PRIDE! Fabulous! So we should be seeing him around the community umm… NEVER! I wish voice of pride didn’t have such a big prize associated with it. It just brings in the rift raft. I wish someone who would just be happy to have the voice of pride title would win and i wish someone who is present in our community would win. If there was no prize, would the straight competitors who grace us with their presence once a year still be waving their big rainbow flag? I think we all know the answer to that. I know, i know equality for all and i get that. It’s just that as a gay man, i would have loved to see another gay man or woman be our representative for PRIDE.
Dru is an amazingly talented singer AND performer! I have heard him sing many times and he always sounds great. When you are singing someone else’s songs it is always “karaoke” style. Just because you are a sore loser does not make Dru or ANY of the contestants any less talented. Way to go Dru, you certainly deserve it!!
Dru IS around the “gayberhood”! He maybe straight, but he is an active supporter of the community. I agree with Danyell in saying that he is a strong performer and is deserving of the win.
Normally I choose not to comment on negativity but @Travis I find your comment to be quite offensive as well as made without knowing all the facts. Yes, I am a straight man but to say I am not an active part of this community is inaccurate.
Congrats to all the finilist!! And to the Winners!! I find it odd that the gay communinty is chasitizing someone for being who he is! He was born that way, yet he embraces everyone one and especially the gay community.
Pride: A feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
I have PRIDE for everyone that is able to be themselves without judgement and to ignore the attacks based sololy on his/her sexual orientation. And I believe that all the Finialist & Winners are deserving of standing up and being the VOICE of PRIDE for the Gay Community and represent tolerance & acceptance.
I will say that there were folks who made the final who were a bit questionable based on my PERSONAL opinion, but I will never pretend to be a professional judge in regards to these things. I do think in future competitions it would be interesting to to add a little more to the competition. Perhaps, just like in a pageant, the contestants could be asked to articulate what PRIDE means to them? I would feel a bit better about such a prestigious title going to someone who is not only visible but ACTIVE in the community and knowledgeable about issues of equality and such- on top of being amazingly talented. Either way, congrats to the winners!
Congratulations to Dru, the VOP winner of 2011!!! Fabulous singer, wonderful showman, and proud STRAIGHT man. I hope that the rewards you have received for all of your hard work will be used wisely. Some suggestions: 1) maybe get married….bc YOU CAN 2) have children… bc YOU CAN 3) visit your wife in hospital and over see her care, should anything happen…bc YOU CAN 4) own community property with your spouse…bc YOU CAN 5) place your wife on your insurance plan…bc YOU CAN 6) legally have dozens of rights automatically given to you simply for being straight that are denied us for simply being gay…7) or maybe explain that its ok to be gay and a second class citizen to that tortured 17 y/o who is contemplating suicide…. You have millions of other way of to be “active” and “support” the community you live in w/o taking up room in a competition that is supposed to give homosexuals a peer to look up to and to show them that we are just like everyone else. You have NO IDEA what its like to be the victim of hate just for loving who you love and you DO NOT represent the gay community BC YOU ARE NOT GAY!!! On that note Ill leave you to your thoughts, but one has to wonder, what exactly are you going to say to that 17 y/o???
I completely agree with the comment above. I don’t think anyone is chastising anyone. We are simply pointing out the big elephant in the room. 3/5 top 5 contestants are straight. What do they know about the struggled we face as gay men and woman. If there was no prize money these people would not be in voice of pride. Be honest people! Julianna Jeffrey has said many times in articles that she loves being in the top 5 every year because her rent gets paid. What is that? The prize money is a nice thing to give but shouldn’t be the motivation for entering the contest. Going to karaoke and drinking and partying is NOT being active in the community. I have never seen anyone in the top 5 devote their time or talent to any causes in our community. However all those contestants standing behind the top 5.. I’ve seen almost all of them donate their time and talent to charity shows in our community that benefit aids research, homeless shelters, and many more. I’ve seen them at least once and some several times and they do it for FREE! Anyone of them would have been an amazing representative for our community. I know this is a vocal competition but I think they should consider who would best represent our community especially since we have so few events like this. I think it’s a great idea to ask these contestants what does pride mean to you? What does it mean to you to represent our community as the voice of pride?
It has nothing to do with sexuality for me, as my best friend was a part of this competition some years back and is a married straight woman.. However she has marched beside me in LGBT rights protests, volunteered at events and even had her vandalized for it’s pro equality bumper stickers.. I do think whoever wins should at least be able to articulate the issues, tell you what pride is, how it started, WHY we celebrate it.. VOP is supposed to highlight the talent within our own ranks show us for the beautiful and talented people that we are- we live in a world where we are held to be 2nd to heterosexuals in everything.. To give this prize to someone outside our community, I better see them at every march and rally, serving food at Resource Center, helping homeless LGBT youth, Registering voters with the Stonewall Dems.. In a world where we are refused even the most basic rights, Esp when we have hundreds of equally talented LGBT performers, this person needs to represent US..
Let me clarify- even IF they are LGBT.. Being the Voice of Pride should mean the person is the total package.
To DSC- I love this idea! I have supported and attended the Voice of Pride competitions for the last 5 years. I have always struggled with the idea that heterosexual people were competing. I always wondered what motivations they might have. As a half white half hispanic female, it would be similar to my competing to be the “voice” of the DFW Pride Movement (a pride event for African American GLBT people). Yes, I am for equality for ALL people, and I love that we have so many straight allies in Dallas. But the competition is called “Voice of Pride”. This person is supposed to represent Dallas GLBT people in the pride parade and for a full calendar year. I think if you remove the prize money you will see a lot of these straight allies dropping out of the competition. As for Dru’s involvement in the community, I think he is the only person that can speak to that, so we shouldn’t speculate just because a few people haven’t noticed him out at the strip. Personally, I know that he is a karaoke host at Barbara’s Pavilion, a gay bar in Oak Cliff. I’m not sure exactly how long he’s been going there, but I’ve been going there for about 3 years and I started to see BP promoting his karaoke nights about 6+ more months ago. As a disclosure I do not know Dru personally and I wish to congratulate him and all of the contestants, you all performed so well!
Wow! Nothing like reverse discrimination to wake me up in the morning. Many of you know me. I have competed on and off in VOP since year one. A straight woman won that first year. To this day, she is my standard for a perfect competition winner. I was the first person to suggest that Dru try out knowing full well he would most likely destroy me in competition. Dru is also a dear friend that took over a substantial part of my “support in the community” when I changed jobs this summer. Others complained that he was straight and that they were gonna cause a stir. I am proud that they had no effect on the outcome. Reading some of the above comments does not make me particularly “proud”. This was a ruling free of agenda. If you question Dru’s talent, feel free to sit next to me at the karaoke shows he hosts in the gay community and the insanely gay-friendly straight community. No other contestant has been scrutinized about their sexuality. How lesbian is she? I will guarantee Dru will do his best at representing everyone with his gayer-than-life presence. And now I don’t have to compete against him next year. Congrats to everyone, contestants, audience, judges and administrators who took the time to create a fantastic Voice of Pride 2011, which by the way is a charity event.
After reading some of these comments, I bet Dru is really excited to represent the LBGT community.
I want to congratulate all winners and finalists. It was truly an amazing event. I am straight and I support Gay rights. I do not make any claims to know what some of you have gone through to be yourself but I do have empathy and love for everyone. I have supported this community since I was 14 when I did an AIDS benefit that took about 4 months then. I have a video somewhere if anyone wants to see some awesome 1990’s fashion as a matter of fact. That event even opened my parents eyes and got them to support the community. Since then, I give my financial support and time to events here when I can.
On a few notes, because it sounds like some of you might not know (if you want help with any of what I am listing, I know of some organizations — so please feel free to contact me and I will get you contact information): Anyone can file a medical and regular power of attorney, anyone can buy property together, anyone can be the beneficiary of a life insurance policy – I have non-spouses listed for mine, my work allows for domestic partners to be listed on medical insurance – all you need to do is go to HR and get the ball rolling, if you are denied legal rights (other than the marriage debate), file a lawsuit — find a probono attorney or go see an attorney — most consultations are free. You can get married in other states while we work on Texas — so you sorta got me there, in the mean time just be happy you get to save $25k+ on the average wedding, Two men will never be able to HAVE children until medical science can figure out how to get that to happen but you can adopt – Jagger on 105.3 did it locally if you need an example. I have friends that work in social work and can you contacts if you’re serious about adoption. Time has changed along with laws, so if you experienced physical harm in your past because of who you are, I am sorry and feel horrible for you. It honestly makes me cry to know people did something to hurt you. It did make you the person you are today and you should fight for your rights to protect those 17-year-olds now. Thus the creation of the Pride parade and it’s branching services. To a gay seventeen your old, there are support groups and legal rights. The important thing to do is report abuse and if it is physical, report it to the police as soon as it happens. Do not be silent because it will continue and nothing will happen.
Oh and to all of you who didn’t know — (I think last year — maybe the year before that)They created a clause in the rules every one signs that there are certain obligations you have to fulfill before you get the full prize package. While it is awesome that prizes exist, it is not why I compete and I can speak for my duet partner this year as the same. Its for the love of this community, to get to meet some of the most amazing people ever, and for the love of singing. Love you all and hope to see those people that are complaining on this board at Bingo on Saturday! I would love to meet you and have a drink so you can get to know me and vice versa.
I hope it is understood that I wasnt Dru bashing, like I said, to me it isn’t about sexuality but about community support and involvement- I whole heartedly believe a straight person can do that- I do not know Dru, but if he is a true ally, I am behind him 100 percent. My comments simply state that maybe that added element of an interview- letting the community know where the contestants are coming from- would make the competition more well rounded AND probably help any nay sayers be a bit more accepting of a non LGBT winner..
Thank you, Amy. I loved everything you said. Anyone is welcome to join in at Dallas Tavern Guild meetings or make suggestions on its website. It is a vocal competition. It is a fundraiser that helps pay for the Pride Parade and other events as well as support wonderful organizations such as Youth First. Voice of Pride is a one of a kind experience with a deep heritage in the gay community. I am proud to be in it. I am proud to support it. I personally feel that there are enough pageants around.
BLAH BLAH BLAH.. It’s called Voice of Pride. It is a competition for the LGBT community. It’s only natural that people would want a homosexual to have that title. DUH!!! If all of us homo’s went to the voice of all straight people competition, They would be up in arms. Thank you Amy. I think we are all aware we can pay legal fees and get power of attorney. I think the point of the other comment was that straight people don’t have to jump through those hoops. and we are also aware that we can get married in a different state but unless you live in that state, it is not recognized. Straight people can marry anywhere and its recognized anywhere. Again i think you missed the point of the previous comments.
I was one of the top 10 finalists in the contest this year and have competed for the last 5 years. I am a gay man and I feel compelled to put in my two cents. Let me preface this by saying that as far as I know, all of the straight people that were up there on stage with me on Sunday night are lovely people that do not harbor any ill will towards gays and lesbians. That being said, I no longer feel that this competition is for me. I, like many people I know need to be involved in our community more. We need to be fighting for our nonexistent rights in this city and in this state. We need to be making sure that our sick brothers and sisters can get the medication they need. We need to make sure that the recourses are there for our fellow queers that have been cast out of their families, their churches, and their communities so that they might have something to eat today, or to get the substance abuse treatment they need. We need to be voting, and be letting our voices be heard in order to remove the bigots from office in this state and city that keep us from being married, that allow us to be fired from our jobs for being who we are and cut funding to AIDS research. Maybe it took a straight man winning this competition to make me realize that I was in it for the money. After all, if you take the money out it, it’s just a title, a symbolic post. And this year, I’m sorry but that title doesn’t mean much to me anymore. A straight man riding in a gay pride parade with his girlfriend? WHERE IS OUR MOVEMENT?? I for one am done with voice of pride. Time to focus up and figure out what is really important.
DSC– wow, so you are saying that no matter what a straight person does, they will never be accepted into the gay community because they were born with a different sexual orientation… hmm… sounds vaguely familiar… what was that little saying about setting an example?? Oh, that’s right… i think matthew made one of the best points… CHARITY EVENT for the gay community.. did anyone forget about that? and i honestly dont think a straight person who was just in it for the money would go through all the Pride obligations that the contest has. i just dont understand why you aren’t happy that MORE than just the gay community supports the gay community. Baffles me. Alot of drama for a what is supposed to be a fun singing contest in celebration of the spirit of Pride events.
I have wanted to do voice of pride for years but i have choosen not to because i am a straight woman. There is no one telling me that i can’t do voice of pride, it is a decision i’ve made based on what i feel is right. I believe that i have no right to step on that stage and even attempt to be the “voice” of pride. I have no idea what it’s like to come out to my family. I have no clue what it feels like to be told i cant marry the person i love. I have no clue what its like to be a gay person and therefore how can i represent or be the “voice” of their community. I am not questioning the talent of these straight competitors but i am questioning the motivation. There are many competitions outside of the gay community that you can participate in. I agree that not many of them offer the prize of voice of pride and there in lies the problem. I’ll admit that the prizes is what initially brought my attention to the competition but i honestly did look inside myself and i realized that i cannot be the “voice” of pride. I just think this competition should be left to the young men and women of the LGBT community. I think its amazing that you want to support your gay brothers and sisters but please don’t pretend that you can be an ambassador for them when you have no clue what it means to gay. I will continue to support the gay community but i promise that i will never attempt to hold a title in your community as a straight woman.
I am so surprised to see all of these comments. I can understand that you might have preferred the winner to be LGBT, but to draw such hard, intolerable stances on it reminds me of the bigotry the entire community is fighting to overcome. If you replace the word gay with straight in most of these attacking posts, it sounds horrible. For Example, the last sentence of Meghan’s post, “I will continue to support the STRAIGHT community but I promise I will never attempt to hold a title in your community as a GAY woman.” See, yoiu change those two words and it sounds pretty ignorant. If the LGBT community is ever going to have equality, they will need the support and help from their straight supporters, so it doesn’t make any sense to alienate them and bash them for supporting your cause.
Congrats to Dru & Spare Parts!!!
Thank you for your comment Meghan. It was perfectly said. 😀
Hello all. It’s a singing competition for all to enter. There is nothing on the registration that states, straights to not enter. Dru is amazing at vocals and presentation. He does amazing things for friends, family, and yes the gay community. Chill out you all 🙂 Life is too short to be name calling, stressing, raising blood pressure. Save all that for people that do not like us, pull us down, and want to show us that we are subhuman. I am a proud gay man with a partner of over 12 years. I could not imaging being straight and being put through what you are doing to Dru. We are all human. Let’s play nice and enjoy our time on earth and do things that bring harmony. I say this because I do know Dru and it is not his style to hurt us. Actually the reverse, He loves us 🙂 Stay true Dru and do not let bitterness bring you down Bubba!
CTS.. Never once did i ever bash straight people in my comment. I am a straight person. I’m simply saying that you can support your gay brothers and sisters without taking a title that in MY OPINION should be held by a LGBT. Straight Community? It doesnt exist. Everything outside of the gay community is straight so what are you talking about.? You obviously just dont get it! I know for a fact that it is very important to alot of people for a LGBT to hold this title which is why i’ve choosen not to even try to compete. I’m sorry but i just don’t believe a straight person can be the ambassador for voice of pride. Period!! It would be like if i as a white woman was the spokesperson for Black history month. It doesnt make sense and its downright offensive!!
what has always been interesting to me about being gay is that there was a “community” of other GLBT people. We are literally only connected in our community because of our orientation, because of something we were born with. This would be as strange as a group of brunettes forming a community, or blondes, etc. when you replace Meghan’s words it DOES sound terrible. but it’s also ridiculous. the straight “community” has no need to connect because they enjoy all of the personal freedoms the US of A has to offer. That sentence would most likely (I pray and hope) EVER be uttered. This is quite a tangent, I know. but I’m really putting in some thinking time on this subject and enjoy the discourse. I was appalled to see people personally attack the performers and Dru. I am looking forward to a straight male being such a public GLBT ally as this demographic has traditionally been the least accepting of the gay community. I have been more interested in the theoretical. As in, theoretically, should a heterosexual person compete for a title to be the “voice” of gay pride.
Since we are having a gay /straight debate, i see that no one has mentioned that the female who won in the group category is also straight. So let me do the math.. That’s 4 straight people who received some sort of placement( receiving 5000 dollars in cash and a lovely trip for him and his girlfriend to puerto rico from our GAY fundraiser) and 3 gay people who received some sort of placement( Receiving 2500 dollars from our GAY fundraiser) and 7 gay people left standing on the stage. That’s my 2 cents. I’m really good at math. 🙂
I am so surprised about the straight-hate. Remember a long time ago when there was slavery, but then a little thing called the Civil War had white soldiers fighting for equality, so that African-Americans could have the same rights? I didn’t want to go there (especially for a vocal contest), but I would be so happy in the gay community if I had someone from “the other side (straight)” trying out for something that supports the gay community. That’s how things get done, people agreeing, different people fighting for the same thing. Aside from the fact that this is supposed to be a fun event, what is wrong with someone winning who wouldn’t necessarily fit the mold? That’s how change happens. I am entrusting my issues with women’s equality in the workplace with a 50-yr African-American man, the President of America. Whether you voted for him or not, he’s the “voice of the people,” though he may not physically represent everyone. Just have a little trust, and be a little more open-minded. Straight people would not enter this contest without being fully aware of the obligations to represent the LGBT community by winning.
Oh, and Meghan, it’s sounds like you are a straight woman who isn’t ready to represent the LGBT community, and that’s fine, but there are several straight competitors I know who are, so please dont speak on behalf of all straight people competing, who i know who volunteer and put their time into LGBT charity events. And to Roland, I’m an engineer, so I’m better at math. Angie, who you speak of, is worth more to the gay community than ur simple math has factored in. Thanks.
@Roxy, first all it’s downright dumb if you to try to throw around the weight of your profession in this discussion as it clearly has NO connection to anything. Please be aware that being an engineer and good at math is fabulous but it still won’t get you ANY closer to understanding a gay man, gay woman or anything in between. Second of all, it’s funny that you mention president Obama and your “support” and “trust” in him. You either voted for him or you didn’t which means had an active part in the decision process that took place to put him in the white house. That’s amazingly strange since I don’t recall getting the ballot withwhich to cast my vote on who I think should be the VOP winner. And in support of Roland, all he’s mentioning is the truth. He never once stated anything about anyone’s worth to anyone else (I guess words aren’t an engineers strong point) Also Roxy, please keep in mind that the perspective you’re speaking from is one that has basic rights given to you that a gay woman or man has been denied so try as you might, you WILL NEVER understand what it is to be gay. Please don’t assume or pretend that you’re qualified to represent our community because you’re not.
You are being extremely one-dimensional and noticeably missed any of the points I was making. If you aren’t happy about the results of a vocal contest, go to the tavern guild and voice your issues instead of trying to alienate straight people on a blog and how unjust it is to include straight people who support to gay community into anything gay-related. Alienation — it’s a good thing and really helps with things in the future! (oh, that was sarcasm to make a point, kinda like the engineer/simple math thing you missed as well and chose to focus on LOL) Use that diplomatic and charming attitude you have shown on here, and i’m sure you will get real far. Go ahead and throw your little attacks and call people dumb and make assumptions about how I voted (missing the entire point again).. Good luck to you, and as for me, I’m done with this discussion, and this blog. I prefer discussing the issues with actual people, not with people who claim to be proud, but hide who behind anonomous aliases. Seriously, that’s all from me. It’s obvious that debating a wall doesn’t do any good for anyone. Oh, did I mention, congratulations to the winner of VoP. Oh, that’s right. That’s what I wanted to do all along before I got sidetracked.
@A Proud GAY man: VOP is partly judged by audience response/applause…there’s your voting ballot.
@Roxy: I didn’t make any assumptions about how you voted for our president. You either voted for him or you did not. There are not any other options. So yes I’m right on that point, thanks. @Melissa w, are you sure that VOP is partly judged on audience response? Bc from my understanding no one, not even the contestants know exactly what is judged or how it is being judged bc the Dallas tavern guild refuses to discuss the actual score sheet. Has anyone seen a filled out sheet for any of the contestants by any of the judges? Nope. It’s supposed to be based completely on “Olympic scoring methods” and completely unbiased but isn’t it curious that for the past 6 years the top ten has been made up of equal number of men and women? Seems like there’s mire at than people want us to know especially since they refuse to answer the questions peole ask…
To Melissa w and anyone else who wants to know. I have judged the voice of pride competition before and if the judges are doing their job correctly, a contestant should not be awarded a title based on audience reaction. The audience does not get a vote. It’s set up that way because any contestant can bring 20 people to scream for them so it’s not a fair assesment. The score card is 80% vocal 10% appearance 5% song selection and 5% audience connection. So to clear up if a contestant gets up and gives a technically perfect performance they would have a very high vocal score which is 80% of the score, regardless if the audience cheered or not because this is a vocal competition. If the judges are correctly judging and not showing any bias, then a contestant with a huge amount of audience Response should never beat or place higher than a contestant with a high vocal score who maybe didn’t have a huge crowd response because they didn’t pick a mainstream well known song. That’s why every year with voice of pride people have complaints about who makes it to finals. The bottom line is the top 10 may not have given the most exciting performance at semi-finals but they delivered strong vocal performances and all of the finalist can sing amazingly well! That’s why you see alot of repeat finalists because they are hard to beat vocally! That’s how it works folks. You will never have a voice of pride competition where everyone is happy with the results. P.s… As judges we are not made aware of a contestants sexual orientation. I understand why people are upset but again the judges are not made aware of sexual orientation.
I’m sorry if I misunderstood. I was told one of the ways contestants got to the final round was decided in part by audience response.
GARY GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!!!
If you want to quote me, start by spelling my name correctly! As for you comment that I’m only in Voice of Pride for the money (which is false) would be incorrect. Funny thing is, all you could pull from that article was something negative. You didn’t happen to come across the part were I’ve said many times before that I participate because I love the competition and have formed lifetime relationships with many of the contestants. Maybe next time you want to quote me, you’ll read the entire article.
I believe auditions are just around the corner for the Miss Black America pageant or the NAACP awards! All white people to the front of the line to show your support and how you can relate to being a minority!
Oh but here’s to rock n roll taking the prize for once! Throw your devil horns up people!
I would just like to take a moment to invite anybody who would like to sit at talk with me sometime to come see me :-). Heck if you want you can come on out to Barbaras Pavilion tomorrow! I always enjoy meeting new people. I’d love to have a nice face to face with you so we can really get to know each other. The competition was alot of fun and I made lots of wonderful people I hope to see again! I anticipate a very full year ahead!
@ Juliana.. why are you so upset? You know if you give an interview to a newspaper that they are going to print what you say. Whenever people read articles, there are always key points that stand out to people, whether they be negative or positive. Obviously that comment stands out to everybody because it validates what so many people believe. That the majority of people enter this contest (especially straight people) for the money. Would you compete and go through all the work just to have the TITLE of voice of pride? Would you be so thrilled to be in the top 5 if no financial reward came with it?
All facetious/playful comments aside, Dru is a talented guy as I’m sure everyone else that made the finals is as equally talented. However, the issue here isn’t talent or a well meaning sincere, straight person but rather the meaning of pride and whether or not a gay person should represent that title exclusively. I see both sides as I have just as many supportive and loving straight friends as I do 3 dollar bills. The contest never stipulated gays only so congrats Dru as I love that you won singing rock! So very refreshing!
Dru, you’re straight?! ; )
I’m a super gay man and me loves my straight people. After reading all the comments on here i’m not sure if the issue is that these people are straight. I think the issue is more about what voice of pride and gay pride represents and is a heterosexual the best person to represent gay pride. I’m not sure that they are only because they do not know what it means to be gay. I’m not disputing the talent of any of these young men and women. They are incredible. In fact i don’t think one comment on here has disputed their talent. It’s just that something about it is a miss, not that we dont love them and appreciate all their support. For example if a woman, gay or straight, tried to compete for a drag title; they would rip her hair out and it wouldnt be allowed. If a drag queen tried to go for miss america it wouldn’t be allowed. If a white woman tried to be miss black august, it wouldn’t be allowed. My issue is not with straight people, it’s just that some things and titles should be held by a person that not only represents that title but can fully understand the meaning behind that title. I agree with Blakes comment. Dru riding in the gay pride parade with his girlfriend next to him as our voice of pride is a litte weird..lol. C’mon people! Talent aside… It’s a litte bizzarre. Can i get an Amen?
@ Melissa… I’m not angry. I just don’t like that my comment was taken out of context. Like I’ve said before, if your going to quote me, quote all of what I said. As for your comment: “That the majority of people enter this contest (especially straight people) for the money.” Well, that is completely unfair. My understanding from your comment is that if your straight, you must be in Voice of Pride for the wrong reasons. So… if your gay you couldn’t possibly be in it for the money? I mean seriously, gay, straight, whatever, why the divide? The one thing everyone is fighting so hard for, is the one thing keeping us apart. For the record, I do not compete in Voice of Pride for the money! I compete because I love the competition. To answer your question Melissa, I would still be “thrilled” to place and compete each year if no financial reward came with winning.
Oh Quan….lol.
First of all, let me say that all of these comments regarding sexually orientation are very hurtful!! Some of my best friends are straight and they are bigger supporters of the gay community than many gay people I know. Angie Landers is probably the most kind hearted person I have EVER met and she is out supporting our community more than I am!!! So comments like that need to STOP!!! I hold no animosity towards anyone gay or straight for competing/winning this competition. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am PROUD OF YOU ALL!!! AND… The following has NOTHING to do with my fellow competitors and close friends!
However, as a person who has competed in this competition for a couple of years now, I have to say that I have some disagreement with the judging of these events. I hold no grudges against any of the judges and thank them for taking the time to judge these competitions. BUT… I do believe that their judging patterns may included some biases. I mean most of these judges are gay themselves or are VERY involved in the community. So, they generally know most of the competitors in the competition and some of them may have personal grudges or negative thoughts about some of the competitors or their significant others. This year, I competed in the Elimination Round at Barbara’s Pavillion along with 3 of this years top 5 and the amazing Angie Landers (whom I am still confused about her not placing this year). Our judges comprised of a couple of people that I did not know but it also comprised of some people whom I saw hugging certain contestants before and after the competition and even one judge who I KNOW holds a MAJOR grudge against myself and my husband. With the level of talent in my elimination round, the well-known individuals competing in that round, and the judges who were judging that round, it was no surprise to me when I did not advance this year. I am proud of those who did though and do not want to take anything away from them or from them advancing.
With this being said and the comments above from an individual regarding the judging table and the judges during the final competition, I have to offer my suggestion. It is apparent that the judges know the competitors, especially if those judges see us year after year competing, and it is apparent that the judges are generally the same from year to year. This leaves the room for preconceived opinions to be be formed by the judges about the contestants and that isn’t very fair to any of us. SOO… why not find outside judges for the competition? There are many people who are musically inclined that would be more than willing to take one night our of their busy schedules to judge a vocal competition!!! I mean who doesn’t like to listen to AMAZING and TALENTED performers singing their hearts out?!? I know I do!!! OR… shuffle between groups of judges every other year? This would just remove the possibility of people thinking that this competition is more of a “Voice of Popularity” and it would make this competition more of a “Voice of Pride.” I mean does anyone else think that this would remove a lot of the banter back and forth about the fairness of the competition? I mean personally, I am going to compete no matter what because I love competition and the opportunity to make soo many talented friends! HOWEVER, I just think it would help us ALL out in the end if we didn’t walk into a competition round and wonder if that one/two/or more judge(s) on the panel that we know may, or may not like us, is going to either make us or break us in the competition.
Now, on a different and more positive note, Congratulations DRU!!! Rock on boy!!! 🙂 And congratulations to ALL of the Top 5, Top 10, Groups, and any other competitor who competed, no matter how far you got!!! You all need to be PROUD and hold your heads high!!! You got to share your VOICE and your PRIDE in the Voice of Pride competition!!! See you all next year!!!
In the words of Monty python “if she weights the same as a duck she’s a?”
” Made of..wood?”
The comments that i have read about the outcome of this years Voice of pride have really opened my eyes to how people absolutely can not accept that they lost. What i don’t like about the competition is how some of the competitors get so ugly and catty toward each other. if you didn’t win the blame is on you. You compete against yourself to make YOU a better performer. Having a “better than” attitude is exactly what’s wrong in the gay community of Dallas. GO DRU!!!