The 4th Annual Mariachi Idol competition features local talent
Last night’s winner of the fifth round of La Fuente’s Mariachi Idol, hosted by Genaro Moreno, was Xavier Gonzales, but 18 year old Francisco Castro stole the hearts of the audience.
Castro and Gonzalez will move on to next week’s final. They will face the winners of the earlier rounds; Juanita Gonzalez, Miguel Salazar, Aura Otero, Brisa Bergeron, Carissa Corona, John Salazar, Daniel Rodriguez, and Amber Ramos.
Castro, a student at Catalina High School, says he hopes study Psychology and Marketing when he enters college.
Judges told Castro that the most impressive aspect of his performance was the fact that he listened to their criticisms of his past performances and took them to heart. Castro’s performance last night clearly incorporated their advice to engage the crowd more and be more theatrical. Castro’s third try before the judges was the charm. The young singer’s new engaging style won the crowd over.
One audience member commented, “This young man is the epitome of hard work and determination. He has come back week after week, getting better every time. It is fun to watch his fast progress.”
Dinners enjoy authentic Mexican food in a Tucson landmark, while watching performers from far and wide. Tonight’s singers included participants from the United States, Mexico and Cuba.
Each Mariachi Idol contestant is accompanied by Mariachi Estrellas de la Fuente.