| The world's largest regional karaoke competition. |
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About the BILL ROTHSTEIN AWARD...
Over the years, Talent Quest Florida has had its ups and
downs. Fortunately, we've had more "ups," and we credit that
to our dear friend Bill Rothstein, who encouraged contest
owners Steve Blanchard and Phil Garris to continue promoting
this contest, even though maintaining such an endeavor was
difficult in the early years.
Before his untimely death in 2008, Bill was not only a huge
advocate for Talent Quest Florida, but one of our toughest, yet
most beloved, judges. Bill's extensive background in the
entertainment industry and his love for music brought a
passion to the contest neither Steve nor Phil had seen before.
In 2007, when Talent Quest Florida was on the verge of
collapse after its home venue suddenly closed its doors and
interest was lacking, both organizers had decided to call it
quits on the competition. Bill emphatically argued that a
successful product was under their noses and that if Steve and
Phil followed his suggestions, 2008 and beyond could be
banner years for Talent Quest Florida.
Boy, was he right. In 2008 the contest exploded, bringing in a
record number of singers-more than 300-and producing our
first national champion with our Men's Pop winner Lonza
Bartlett.
After that year, as they say, the rest is history.
Unfortunately Bill didn't live to see the success 2008 brought.
He passed away on Aug. 3, 2008, just three weeks before the
windfall began.
That's why, each year, we take a moment to remember him
and give the Bill Rothstein Award to the person or people who
have gone above and beyond to support Talent Quest Florida
with the kind of passion Bill showed so openly.
We miss Bill terribly-but we know he's proud of what this
contest has become.
downs. Fortunately, we've had more "ups," and we credit that
to our dear friend Bill Rothstein, who encouraged contest
owners Steve Blanchard and Phil Garris to continue promoting
this contest, even though maintaining such an endeavor was
difficult in the early years.
Before his untimely death in 2008, Bill was not only a huge
advocate for Talent Quest Florida, but one of our toughest, yet
most beloved, judges. Bill's extensive background in the
entertainment industry and his love for music brought a
passion to the contest neither Steve nor Phil had seen before.
In 2007, when Talent Quest Florida was on the verge of
collapse after its home venue suddenly closed its doors and
interest was lacking, both organizers had decided to call it
quits on the competition. Bill emphatically argued that a
successful product was under their noses and that if Steve and
Phil followed his suggestions, 2008 and beyond could be
banner years for Talent Quest Florida.
Boy, was he right. In 2008 the contest exploded, bringing in a
record number of singers-more than 300-and producing our
first national champion with our Men's Pop winner Lonza
Bartlett.
After that year, as they say, the rest is history.
Unfortunately Bill didn't live to see the success 2008 brought.
He passed away on Aug. 3, 2008, just three weeks before the
windfall began.
That's why, each year, we take a moment to remember him
and give the Bill Rothstein Award to the person or people who
have gone above and beyond to support Talent Quest Florida
with the kind of passion Bill showed so openly.
We miss Bill terribly-but we know he's proud of what this
contest has become.
| Award Recipients 2010: Wanda Kittle 2011: Jeff "Bull" Ferguson & Ellen Jewell 2011 (Sunshine State): Mr. and Mrs. Vic Cruz |
| Contact info: 727-656-0173 info@TalentQuestFlorida.com |
| Home of Paul Lloyd, 2011 Men's Country National Champion |
| July 5-8, 2012 |
| 1001 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa |