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| Comments may be edited for clarity/space and will appear within a day of your post. |
Hi Phil and Steve:
Thank you again for Having me in your Talent Quest Florida contest this
year. I had a lot of fun performing for yo, the judges, and the audience as
well. I hoping to put on an even better show next year, Because of you two
one of my dreams has come true-to entertain people. I also wanted to tell
you that my mother really enjoy meeting you and watching the very
talented people that were presented on stage. She also enjoyed seeing
her son...me....onstage, and she told me that even though I didn't win,or
was one of the top ten,she felt honored to be there with me. My lady
friend Dawn wanted to thank you as well. I will be back next year I promise.
I thank you Both from the Bottom of my Heart.
Sincerely Your Friend 4 Life.
Roger M. Smith (aka Mike S.)
Phil and Steve:
I'm overwhelmed at what a fantastic weekend Steve, Phil and your staff of
Talent Quest Florida provided to all of us in attendance. All of you
deserve a standing O and much applause... Bravo !
Guess the Heat and Humidity in Florida also breeds TALENT! WOW ! I'd
buy any one of the contestants CD's! Boy, that could add up huh ? I had
a fantastic time, met some great people and was entertained the whole
time. You can definately count me in to support and promote both of the
Talent Quest divisions in any way I can. Please stop in whenever you are
in Fort Lauderdale Monday nights to sing with us. That is an open
invitation to everybody at The Florida State Finals. Staff, Guests,
contestants.
I was a believer before, but now I am definitely convinced Talent Quest
Florida is The Real Deal and the best contest around.
Tom VanderLoop Mgr. The Dive Bar Fort Lauderdale
www.thedivebar.net
Steve & Phil;
Just wanted to Thank You both, for a most wonderful time. The
competition was great, the event professionally organized and well
managed, making the experience unequalled. The Orioles on a State
wide level, look forward to becoming more involved, as a permanent
venue and sponsor of Talent Quest Florida. The performances by all
contestants, amazing as well as, breath taking. We congratulate all
contestants and winners. Every contestant should be proud of their
performances and participation. This letter of gratitude shall also confirm
our commitment for our donation of a $1,000.00 to your charities, which
will be forthcoming.
We extend an open invitation to any member of the Talent Quest Team or
any contestant at the 2009 event, a free drinks, should they like to visit.
Congratulations again;
Fraternal Order Orioles Debary Nest 322
2995 Enterprise Road
Debary, Florida 32713
386-753-0003
Guys:
I just wanted to say thank you for choosing us for one of your qualifying
venues. We truly enjoyed having you guys and were looking forward to
next year!
Tim Brooke
Jr Governor
North Port Moose Lodge 764
Phil, Steve, Jenny, Nichol, Trevor and the rest of those
responsible for Talent Quest Florida 2009:
Kathy and I had a wonderful weekend in Ybor. What a Class Act! Such a
terrific collection of Talented Singers and a family we are proud to be a
part of. You all know what a great job you're doing with all the work you
put into putting this on. Thank You very much for your labor of love, we
are so grateful because we got the payoff. We Love you guys.
Mike and Kathy Overby
Hey guys:
I just wanted to say thank you so very much for putting together a
spectacular event! I have never participated in any type of contest like
this and even though it was my first one, I'm pretty positive it was the best
and always will be an amazing event and I will definitely try again! The
talent there was UNBELIEVABLE! I learned so much from not only the
judges comments but other "more seasoned" contestants!
Thank you for everything again!!!
Kristen Hoelzer
Phil and Steve,
This year Florida Talent Quest State Competition was incredible. The
competition was incredible! The spirit of the competition as always was
fabulously friendly and supportive! Last year we found new friends and
again this year we reunited with them and made even more new friends.
The beautiful diversity of the contestants and audience was awesome: all
ages, races, ethnic backgrounds, and lifestyle orientation.
The organization of the competition was even better this year. The judges
background was incredible! All in all it was a true success. Kudos to both
of you and your group of volunteers. The staff at the Ritz was amazing.
The staff did an amazing job!
Leggy Villafane and Rafael Gomez
Hey Phil
What a wonderful weekend! Tanya and I truly enjoyed ourselves. The
talent was unbelievable and everyone was so nice. One suggestion-Since
there are so many Christian artist coming out, please think about adding a
Christian/gospel category. That was the big talk around there. Tanya is
mainly Gospel by roots and so are many other black people. There are
very few gospel competitions around, so I truly think you would do well
with being one of the first! If you ever need any help, PLEASE contact me!
Much love too you and Steve!
Robin "Denise" Shelley
Phil and Steve,
You have outdone yourself this year with Regionals. This was the most
organized it has ever been! As always, I made some new amazing friends.
Its been a pleasure to be apart of the Talent Quest Florida family. Cant
wait to see what 2010 has to offer!!
P.S. Finals were more fun than @ Nationals. Well done.
Matthew Androsiglio
Hello:
Well, for the most part it was good. But when it came to the finals i think
some people with less talent got in to the finals and now are going to
represent Florida in Nevada. i know all scores are final but in the future I
think it would be wise to have the best going to Nevada instead of people
that are below average.
Rich Nuckols
Hi Phil and Steve:
I was very happy to have participated in Talent Quest Florida 2009. I had
no idea of the amount of talent! It was great. I did not win, but I met very
nice people and I think I would like to try again. Both my husband and I
had a lovely time. I think my daughter was proud to see me sing. Thank
you for the opportunity. May God bless you both.
Mary Mercado
Hi Phil and Steve:
I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank you for a great time last
weekend. The final competition was absolutely so great. I loved Steve's
outfits and your wonderful voice, Phil! I can't wait until next year!
Linda Zick
WOW, and double WOW!
When I attended the Laughlin contest as an "observer" last year, I never
thought I would have the nerve to jump into the deep end of the pool and
try out for the local competition myself. I am so glad that I did! What a
fantastic weekend; I met so many wonderful people and got to understand
the "family" that Steve and Phil always speak of so highly. From observing
women helping each other by sharing clothing, jewelry, makeup, etc. to
guys slapping each other on the back and giving encouragement before
their performances, it was hard to believe people were competing
"against" each other! The love and encouragement that Phil and Steve
gave to everyone became the credo for the weekend and what a
wonderful weekend it was! Being a part of the "gummer" group (which I
lovingly refer to the 50 and up category), I met some terrific ladies with
extraordinary talent. My heart and best wishes go out to the winner of our
group....GO GIRL! YOU ROCK!!! Set Laughlin on its' ear and bring the
trophy home to Florida.
PS..STEVE Your finale will be remembered for years to come; I can't help
but grin whenever I think about it. You are my favorite "Song and dance
man." HUGS, HUGS, and more HUGS!!
Deb Patton
Phil and Steve,
Thanks so much for your tireless efforts with this contest. It was so much
fun! The talent was incredible and I met tons of great folks there. Your
team did an awesome job. Bravo! I can't thank you enough. You guys are
great!
Nick Ramirez
Phil & Steve,
I wanted to thank Talent Quest Florida for an amazing event! I've never
participated in anything like this before, and it exceeded my expectations.
It was also my husband's birthday, and he had a great time as well. I
definitely would love to come next year. I met some great people and
learned a lot as well.Thank you!
Chelsea Flynn
Hi Phil,
Just a quick note to let you know that my family and I truly enjoyed our
experience at the finals in Ybor.
Kelly Hicks
Thank you again for Having me in your Talent Quest Florida contest this
year. I had a lot of fun performing for yo, the judges, and the audience as
well. I hoping to put on an even better show next year, Because of you two
one of my dreams has come true-to entertain people. I also wanted to tell
you that my mother really enjoy meeting you and watching the very
talented people that were presented on stage. She also enjoyed seeing
her son...me....onstage, and she told me that even though I didn't win,or
was one of the top ten,she felt honored to be there with me. My lady
friend Dawn wanted to thank you as well. I will be back next year I promise.
I thank you Both from the Bottom of my Heart.
Sincerely Your Friend 4 Life.
Roger M. Smith (aka Mike S.)
Phil and Steve:
I'm overwhelmed at what a fantastic weekend Steve, Phil and your staff of
Talent Quest Florida provided to all of us in attendance. All of you
deserve a standing O and much applause... Bravo !
Guess the Heat and Humidity in Florida also breeds TALENT! WOW ! I'd
buy any one of the contestants CD's! Boy, that could add up huh ? I had
a fantastic time, met some great people and was entertained the whole
time. You can definately count me in to support and promote both of the
Talent Quest divisions in any way I can. Please stop in whenever you are
in Fort Lauderdale Monday nights to sing with us. That is an open
invitation to everybody at The Florida State Finals. Staff, Guests,
contestants.
I was a believer before, but now I am definitely convinced Talent Quest
Florida is The Real Deal and the best contest around.
Tom VanderLoop Mgr. The Dive Bar Fort Lauderdale
www.thedivebar.net
Steve & Phil;
Just wanted to Thank You both, for a most wonderful time. The
competition was great, the event professionally organized and well
managed, making the experience unequalled. The Orioles on a State
wide level, look forward to becoming more involved, as a permanent
venue and sponsor of Talent Quest Florida. The performances by all
contestants, amazing as well as, breath taking. We congratulate all
contestants and winners. Every contestant should be proud of their
performances and participation. This letter of gratitude shall also confirm
our commitment for our donation of a $1,000.00 to your charities, which
will be forthcoming.
We extend an open invitation to any member of the Talent Quest Team or
any contestant at the 2009 event, a free drinks, should they like to visit.
Congratulations again;
Fraternal Order Orioles Debary Nest 322
2995 Enterprise Road
Debary, Florida 32713
386-753-0003
Guys:
I just wanted to say thank you for choosing us for one of your qualifying
venues. We truly enjoyed having you guys and were looking forward to
next year!
Tim Brooke
Jr Governor
North Port Moose Lodge 764
Phil, Steve, Jenny, Nichol, Trevor and the rest of those
responsible for Talent Quest Florida 2009:
Kathy and I had a wonderful weekend in Ybor. What a Class Act! Such a
terrific collection of Talented Singers and a family we are proud to be a
part of. You all know what a great job you're doing with all the work you
put into putting this on. Thank You very much for your labor of love, we
are so grateful because we got the payoff. We Love you guys.
Mike and Kathy Overby
Hey guys:
I just wanted to say thank you so very much for putting together a
spectacular event! I have never participated in any type of contest like
this and even though it was my first one, I'm pretty positive it was the best
and always will be an amazing event and I will definitely try again! The
talent there was UNBELIEVABLE! I learned so much from not only the
judges comments but other "more seasoned" contestants!
Thank you for everything again!!!
Kristen Hoelzer
Phil and Steve,
This year Florida Talent Quest State Competition was incredible. The
competition was incredible! The spirit of the competition as always was
fabulously friendly and supportive! Last year we found new friends and
again this year we reunited with them and made even more new friends.
The beautiful diversity of the contestants and audience was awesome: all
ages, races, ethnic backgrounds, and lifestyle orientation.
The organization of the competition was even better this year. The judges
background was incredible! All in all it was a true success. Kudos to both
of you and your group of volunteers. The staff at the Ritz was amazing.
The staff did an amazing job!
Leggy Villafane and Rafael Gomez
Hey Phil
What a wonderful weekend! Tanya and I truly enjoyed ourselves. The
talent was unbelievable and everyone was so nice. One suggestion-Since
there are so many Christian artist coming out, please think about adding a
Christian/gospel category. That was the big talk around there. Tanya is
mainly Gospel by roots and so are many other black people. There are
very few gospel competitions around, so I truly think you would do well
with being one of the first! If you ever need any help, PLEASE contact me!
Much love too you and Steve!
Robin "Denise" Shelley
Phil and Steve,
You have outdone yourself this year with Regionals. This was the most
organized it has ever been! As always, I made some new amazing friends.
Its been a pleasure to be apart of the Talent Quest Florida family. Cant
wait to see what 2010 has to offer!!
P.S. Finals were more fun than @ Nationals. Well done.
Matthew Androsiglio
Hello:
Well, for the most part it was good. But when it came to the finals i think
some people with less talent got in to the finals and now are going to
represent Florida in Nevada. i know all scores are final but in the future I
think it would be wise to have the best going to Nevada instead of people
that are below average.
Rich Nuckols
Hi Phil and Steve:
I was very happy to have participated in Talent Quest Florida 2009. I had
no idea of the amount of talent! It was great. I did not win, but I met very
nice people and I think I would like to try again. Both my husband and I
had a lovely time. I think my daughter was proud to see me sing. Thank
you for the opportunity. May God bless you both.
Mary Mercado
Hi Phil and Steve:
I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank you for a great time last
weekend. The final competition was absolutely so great. I loved Steve's
outfits and your wonderful voice, Phil! I can't wait until next year!
Linda Zick
WOW, and double WOW!
When I attended the Laughlin contest as an "observer" last year, I never
thought I would have the nerve to jump into the deep end of the pool and
try out for the local competition myself. I am so glad that I did! What a
fantastic weekend; I met so many wonderful people and got to understand
the "family" that Steve and Phil always speak of so highly. From observing
women helping each other by sharing clothing, jewelry, makeup, etc. to
guys slapping each other on the back and giving encouragement before
their performances, it was hard to believe people were competing
"against" each other! The love and encouragement that Phil and Steve
gave to everyone became the credo for the weekend and what a
wonderful weekend it was! Being a part of the "gummer" group (which I
lovingly refer to the 50 and up category), I met some terrific ladies with
extraordinary talent. My heart and best wishes go out to the winner of our
group....GO GIRL! YOU ROCK!!! Set Laughlin on its' ear and bring the
trophy home to Florida.
PS..STEVE Your finale will be remembered for years to come; I can't help
but grin whenever I think about it. You are my favorite "Song and dance
man." HUGS, HUGS, and more HUGS!!
Deb Patton
Phil and Steve,
Thanks so much for your tireless efforts with this contest. It was so much
fun! The talent was incredible and I met tons of great folks there. Your
team did an awesome job. Bravo! I can't thank you enough. You guys are
great!
Nick Ramirez
Phil & Steve,
I wanted to thank Talent Quest Florida for an amazing event! I've never
participated in anything like this before, and it exceeded my expectations.
It was also my husband's birthday, and he had a great time as well. I
definitely would love to come next year. I met some great people and
learned a lot as well.Thank you!
Chelsea Flynn
Hi Phil,
Just a quick note to let you know that my family and I truly enjoyed our
experience at the finals in Ybor.
Kelly Hicks
Hey guys:
I wanted to let you guys know how proud I am of you by
taking this thing, running with it, and bringing much
success. You guys did an awesome job this year with
everything, and will have to admit that the highlight of the
whole event was Steve singing LOL That was beyond
entertaining. I know that I have what it takes to get into
top 10, and hoping to soon do that.
On a less positive note--I was very disappointed that I did
not get any critique sheets. I felt like I had invested hours
and hours preparing, and taking time off from work, and
walking out of their with nothing in my hands. It was such
a big let down. I know their were a lot of contestants and
that you guys had your hands way full, but it would have
been more worth it to walk out of their with something in
my hands to know how I was judged and scored, my
weaknesses and strengths. So I left their feeling cheated
and clueless. I hope that you will take this to heart and
somehow provide the critique sheets for everyone in the
future.
Enough of my bitching. I love you guys, and thanks once
again for making all of this possible for everyone.
Peace to you,
David A.
Talent Quest Florida:
Alan and I had an absolute blast in Tampa with ya'll. We
can't wait till next year! We made great lifelong friends
and watched excellent performances. The whole staff was
great you made us feel really welcome. Ya'll did a
wonderful job see ya next year!
Madeline Hebert and Alan Engram
Phil and Steve,
This year was better than last year and it showed in the
preparation and how smooth it went. From how all the
contestants were at the ready, to the dressing rooms, to
the hotel, to the show on Sunday with Steve...right up to
when you started to name the winners of the
catagories...then it all came unraveled.
Calling the wrong names, getting the order of who won
and who didn't, and those little tiny pieces of paper to
read from. I think that the "winners" that represented
Florida in my opinion were not the best of the best to go
to Laughlin. I think that the judges really need to listen to
the reaction of the 300 to 500 people that are in the
audience because if a singer can make people stand up
and cheer for them here in Ybor, then it only stands to
reason that they would do the same in Laughlin, thus
sending the best singers out there.
I think that the judges in some categories were way off
base with who they chose to represent Florida. I've come
in second now for 2 years in a row in the 50 and over
mens division, in a category that I know I should have
won both years. I had the audience rockin' and standing
in the aisles and cheering. I think that when you start to
incorporate the audience's reaction to the singer, and
have their collective voices acknowledged and heard in
the judging, and factored into the point system, you will
then have a true and unbiased summary, and ultimately
be sending the best of the best to represent.
Leave the stage presence, and song choice, and vocal
ability, to the judges, but let the crowd, who really are the
ultimate judges anyway, vote as to who goes and who
doesn't. I am not saying that it was unfair, but what I am
saying is that 5 judges can huddle together and vote as
to who should go and who shouldn't because of song
choice, or what they are wearing, or how they present
themselves on stage...300 to 500 people can't.
They either like you or they don't, regardless of what you
are wearing, or how you stand, or what song you sing.
Listen to the audience. They tell it like it is.
I'll be back next year because I "Don't Stop Believin'".....
Joe Diaz
(Note: Talent Quest Florida does not incorporate
audience participation because the national rules do not
allow for it. Judges come from entertainment
backgrounds and utilizing their expertise prevents Talent
Quest Florida from becoming another "popularity
contest."-Phil and Steve)
I wanted to let you guys know how proud I am of you by
taking this thing, running with it, and bringing much
success. You guys did an awesome job this year with
everything, and will have to admit that the highlight of the
whole event was Steve singing LOL That was beyond
entertaining. I know that I have what it takes to get into
top 10, and hoping to soon do that.
On a less positive note--I was very disappointed that I did
not get any critique sheets. I felt like I had invested hours
and hours preparing, and taking time off from work, and
walking out of their with nothing in my hands. It was such
a big let down. I know their were a lot of contestants and
that you guys had your hands way full, but it would have
been more worth it to walk out of their with something in
my hands to know how I was judged and scored, my
weaknesses and strengths. So I left their feeling cheated
and clueless. I hope that you will take this to heart and
somehow provide the critique sheets for everyone in the
future.
Enough of my bitching. I love you guys, and thanks once
again for making all of this possible for everyone.
Peace to you,
David A.
Talent Quest Florida:
Alan and I had an absolute blast in Tampa with ya'll. We
can't wait till next year! We made great lifelong friends
and watched excellent performances. The whole staff was
great you made us feel really welcome. Ya'll did a
wonderful job see ya next year!
Madeline Hebert and Alan Engram
Phil and Steve,
This year was better than last year and it showed in the
preparation and how smooth it went. From how all the
contestants were at the ready, to the dressing rooms, to
the hotel, to the show on Sunday with Steve...right up to
when you started to name the winners of the
catagories...then it all came unraveled.
Calling the wrong names, getting the order of who won
and who didn't, and those little tiny pieces of paper to
read from. I think that the "winners" that represented
Florida in my opinion were not the best of the best to go
to Laughlin. I think that the judges really need to listen to
the reaction of the 300 to 500 people that are in the
audience because if a singer can make people stand up
and cheer for them here in Ybor, then it only stands to
reason that they would do the same in Laughlin, thus
sending the best singers out there.
I think that the judges in some categories were way off
base with who they chose to represent Florida. I've come
in second now for 2 years in a row in the 50 and over
mens division, in a category that I know I should have
won both years. I had the audience rockin' and standing
in the aisles and cheering. I think that when you start to
incorporate the audience's reaction to the singer, and
have their collective voices acknowledged and heard in
the judging, and factored into the point system, you will
then have a true and unbiased summary, and ultimately
be sending the best of the best to represent.
Leave the stage presence, and song choice, and vocal
ability, to the judges, but let the crowd, who really are the
ultimate judges anyway, vote as to who goes and who
doesn't. I am not saying that it was unfair, but what I am
saying is that 5 judges can huddle together and vote as
to who should go and who shouldn't because of song
choice, or what they are wearing, or how they present
themselves on stage...300 to 500 people can't.
They either like you or they don't, regardless of what you
are wearing, or how you stand, or what song you sing.
Listen to the audience. They tell it like it is.
I'll be back next year because I "Don't Stop Believin'".....
Joe Diaz
(Note: Talent Quest Florida does not incorporate
audience participation because the national rules do not
allow for it. Judges come from entertainment
backgrounds and utilizing their expertise prevents Talent
Quest Florida from becoming another "popularity
contest."-Phil and Steve)