"Garden City's Singing Idol"

Justin Bergson (left) "Garden City Singing Idol" with Kevin Covais of "American Idol" fame, celebrity judge. (Photo by John Ellis Kordes)

Justin Bergson, an 11-year old student at the Garden City Middle School was judged "Garden City Idol" at the Chamber of Commerce's first annual "Garden City Idol" singing competition, a feature of the Chamber's 28th annual Fall Festival Street Fair on September 29. Justin won for his incredible rendition of the hit "Who Will Buy" from Oliver.

"Hands down - for voice, stage presence and overall style!" That was the consensus of the judges who included celebrity judge Kevin Covais, one of the finalists in television's"American Idol" this past season; Tom Wagner, renowned director of the Village Music Makers, and past New York State "Teacher of the Year; and Roger Eltringham, president of the Chamber of Commerce.

Justin's mom, Stephanie Bergson, reports that Kevin started singing at the age of three or four and has continually developed his style and passion for singing. He has performed in various community plays, and most notably, sang the National Anthem at the Belmont Race Track in both 2006 and 2007. "Sure to be a future star, we will be watching Justin Bergson," promised Althea Robinson, Chamber executive director, who said Justin was awarded with an iPod and a place of honor in Garden City High School's Homecoming parade where he rode in a sporty Cadillac convertible, courtesy of Paul Conte Cadillac.