Who needs Simon? These seniors don't
These performers aren't goin' too Hollywood. No one over 30 makes it to "American Idol."
They came to Oakbrook Terrace, where judges would shun anybody under 60.
Part of a two-day Senior Expo, this is "Senior Idol."
Twelve finalists paraded their talents for three judges Thursday during the competition at Drury Lane Theatre and Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace. It was one of the main attractions at the Senior Expo, the largest such event in the Chicago area.
"In a nutshell it's a celebration of life and talent over 60," said Connie Kobitter, special events manager for the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging, which hosts the event. "Obviously 'American Idol' has had its popularity. But what about the other age spectrum?"
Unlike the popular TV show, which focuses solely on 20-somethings who sing, Senior Idol competitors danced, recited poetry and performed comedy as well.
It's hard to believe that an 83-year-old can swing dance with such speed. But these elderly idols proved they have a passion for life and deliver energetic performances. As for "American Idol," many couldn't care less.
"Never heard of 'American Idol.' What channel is it on?" said 78-year-old Joe Schrantz of Villa Park.
Schrantz and Lombard resident LeRoy Roath, 80, won a silver medal in the competition after performing and reciting the 1880s poem "Casey at the Bat" by Ernest Lawrence Thayer.
Senior Idol followed the Fox TV hit's recipe, but it stopped short of the show's brutal honesty. The judges at Senior Idol had nothing but flattering remarks for the competitors.
Bartlett resident Wayne Laszczak, 63, believes that's because the talent spoke for itself. Laszczak won a silver medal for his singing of "Mack the Knife."
"There was some very good competition," he said.
The Best All Around title went to River Forest resident Joyce Tasch Lennon, who also received the gold medal in the vocalist category. Judy Concklin of Burr Ridge snagged the bronze. In the non-vocal category, the gold medal went to Berwyn residents Marty Costanza, 83, and his girlfriend Carol Werkmeister, 71. Comedian Norman DeBow, of Lemont, won the bronze non-vocal.