SHS freshman claims title of Schaumburg Idol

The singing contest that began with 10 contestants ended with only one Schaumburg Idol.

Schaumburg Park District’s fourth annual search for the next singing superstar, reached its final round last week with performances from Melissa Wickland, 14, and Emilie Rose Danno, 17, with Melissa taking the title of this year’s Schaumburg Idol. The winner was determined by a combination of the judges’ votes and the community.

Melissa, a freshman at Schaumburg High School, has been singing since she was 3 years old. Her passion for singing comes from her mother, who used to sing to her when Melissa was a child.

She is part of her school and church choirs, was a member of the Palatine Children’s Choir, takes voice lessons, competed in Elk Grove Idol, and has been doing musical theater since she was 8 years old.

Melissa is no stranger to the district’s competitions. She and a friend won Schaumburg’s Got Talent in 2010. She plans to continue her musical accomplishments in high school and college with the goal of one day becoming a Broadway actress.

“I feel accomplished,” said Melissa. “It was a tough, nerve-wracking and exciting competition, but I’m happy I won.”

Emilie, a senior at Glenbard West High School, has been singing since she could talk. She takes singing lessons and is active in her school’s theater and choir. Her past competitions include the NATS musical theater competition and Glen Ellyn Idol.

Like Melissa, Emilie was surrounded by music. Her family is very musical and immersed her in it when she was younger. Emilie, a budding YouTube star, is going to major in theater in college and wants to pursue a career performing in theater or musicals.

“I’m going to sing my way through life,” said Emilie. This year’s contestants also included Lauren Marine, Taylor Matos, Ondreya Ortiz, Arsenio Pascual, Ryan Sevilla, Alexis Traczyk, Kelly Wargo and Geraldine Truman.

The results show can be seen on WSPD-TV and parkfun.com beginning Aug. 22.

For more information, call (847) 490-7015 or visit parkfun.com.