Baghdad Talent Show entertains service members at Camp Liberty

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Schneider | Judges laugh as an airman sings a love song he wrote about his reflective belt, May 15, at the Baghdad Talent Show held at Camp Liberty's main stage.The five judges were made up of a mixture of military and civilian personnel, and they all graded each contestant on choreography, technique, performance, execution and showmanship.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.15.2010

Story by Spc. Daniel Schneider 

366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD – As the sun set, people began to crowd around a dark stage, drawn by the sound of contestants practicing their instruments and singers warming up their voices. After more than two months of preparation and anticipation, the Baghdad Talent Show had finally arrived.

With the support of 146th Signal Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Division, as well as many other sponsors, the Camp Liberty main stage was filled with prizes and entertainment, May 14-15, as audiences watched fellow service members and civilians perform, sing and dance with a hint of comedy; giving them a chance to relax from their normal routines.

At the May 15 show, 12 contestants performed acts ranging from solo singing to entire bands playing in rock concert-style. Even a duo of civilians performed salsa dancing for the audience and the five-person judging panel.

Contestants ranged from civilians through all ranks of the military, with officers and enlisted performing as equals on the stage.

"When Soldiers see their senior leadership willing to let loose for a while, it tends to break their shyness and urges them to come out here and have fun," said Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Vallade, the G-4 maintenance sergeant major of 1st Armored Division.

Vallade, a Deerborn, Mich., native, did a different routine both nights. On May 14, he did a rendition of Elvis Presley's "I'm All Shook Up," which won him second place in the show. The next night, he sang Lee Greenwood's "Proud to Be an American" in honor of his son who just recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan.

"Events like these are great because you can see the brotherhood from all the units involved," said Vallade. "It's great to see people showing their appreciation."
Performers were scored on choreography, technique, performance, execution and showmanship, with each contestant shooting for the top three places, in hopes of receiving prizes donated by DHL and many other local vendors.

Third place went to 1st Sgt. Ryan Pels, senior enlisted in charge of Forward Support Company, 367th Engineer Battalion, 36th Eng. Brigade, United States Forces – Iraq.
The event took on a different twist when there was a tie for first place between Vallade and Capt. Stephen Anastasia, battle captain for 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Task Force Twister, United States Forces – Iraq, resulting in a showdown between the two.

Vallade went first. With the hip-flailing signature of Elvis, he sang "I'm All Shook Up," complete the popping sound before the phrase 'I'm all shook up.'

Anastasi stuck with his tried and true performance, reenacting the Elton John song, "The Sun Going Down on Me." As he belted out the notes, his past singing experience since high school showed, getting a lively response from the audience.

After the performance, audience members cast the final vote for who would be first and second place based on who drew the loudest applause and cheers. Anastasia won as the audience erupted in cheers and screams.

"You only get so many chances to do the things you love," Anastasia said. "It doesn't really pay to be scared, no matter how big or small the chance might be."

• Date Taken: 05.15.2010
• Date Posted: 05.17.2010 11:40
• Story ID: 49819
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ