Senior Idol: Unemployed Rx tech steals the show

A lively mixture of singers, musicians and a lone dancer competed in the third annual Surprise Senior Idol on Wednesday.

But it was an unemployed pharmacy technician who stole the show with his rendition of "This is the Moment."

Elroy Paredes of Sun City West gave a powerful performance that inspired thunderous applause and one woman to shout out "Take me home!" after the judges gave him their scores.

There were four awards given to acknowledge the best of the 22 competitors: Paredes won the singing competition, Rose Ann Russo of Sun City won the dancing division with her performance of "Daddy's Money." Mike Burlaka of Peoria won the karaoke division with his rendition of "Summer Wind" and D.J. Jones of Surprise won the "other" category with a comedy routine and musical number performed with Bonnie Stenzel of Corte Bella.

Surprise Senior Center played host to the event sponsored by SecureHorizons. It drew a crowd of 400 to the auditorium of Willow Canyon High School in Surprise.

Representatives from SecureHorizons gave their votes after each performance, but the audience's votes determined the winners.

The judges raved about Paredes' performance.

"My heart is beating so hard, the way you hit the high notes was amazing," said judge Terry Tucker. "I give you an A plus plus plus."

PHOTO GALLERY: Click here to see more pictures from the Surprise Senior Idol competition.

Paredes said he started performing by singing at karaoke events. He is looking for work as a pharmacy technician, but has lined up singing gigs to perform locally at Arizona Traditions in September and Ventana Lakes in October.

Other performers who received high marks included Jan Rittmaster of Sun City West, who sang "Almost Like Being in Love" and Bob Moratta of Surprise, who sang "Mack the Knife."

Leslie Rudders, supervisor of senior services with the Surprise Senior Center, said the event is a way of showcasing talented seniors.

"They are so talented, have so much to give, and are so full of life," Rudders said.

Joy Slagowski may be reached at 623-876-2514 or jslagowski@yourwestvalley.com