MAR-JCC’s Israel 64 I-Factor Winner Chosen!

May 1, 2012 - PRLog -- A spin-off combo of the “X-FACTOR” and the ever-popular “American Idol,” the competition, created for kids grades 6-12, featured 8 contestants who sang songs with an “Israel theme.”

After several weeks of auditions, the contests were narrowed down to eight finalists who sang in front of a panel of judges similar to American Idol, for the coveted “I-FACTOR” Title, and a chance to win a round-trip ticket to Israel, sponsored by El Al Airlines and Jerry Allen Travel. The contestants performed in front of an audience of nearly 500 people, and were voted on via text messaging which counted for 30% of the vote, and the remaining 70% of the decision came from the three judges.

After all was “sang” and done, the winner of the competition was Melissa Biblowicz, a Cooper City High School Senior who performed her rendition of the popular Israeli song Shma Israel Elochai.

Overcome with emotion, the teary-eyed Melissa was presented with the grand prize of a round-trip ticket to Israel, by Israel 64 Committee Chair, Mindy Hardoon. “This was one of the most exciting and thrilling things that has ever happened to me,” explained Melissa. “I’ve never won anything like this before, and I’m so happy I was a part of this competition and celebration,” she continued.

The entire group of contestants ended the show with a group song called Yad be Yad, written by Talma Elyagon Roz and composed by Roni Vice. Music and Vocal Director for the show was Danny Prus. The Israel 64 Celebration was made possible through the generosity of the Falic Family in memory of Fima, Chaim Falic.