Mark Bateman (center), pictured after being announced 2023 Senior American Idol. Emcee Bill Brady (from left), judges Blake Alexander, Carol Tardi, Laura Alberts, Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady, and Coordinator Marie Ryan. (Supplied photo)
Orland Township announces 2023 Senior American Idol winner
Twelve talented seniors showcased their vocal skills before a live audience last week as they competed for the title of 2023 Orland Township Senior American Idol.
The event, sponsored by Right at Home of Orland Park, took place on April 27 at Georgios Banquets in Orland Hills. Over 550 guests flocked into the dazzlingly decorated ballroom for dinner and a night of friendly competition between this year’s contestants.
After three rounds of singing their favorite tunes, Mark Bateman, took home the trophy and title of 2023 Orland Township Senior American Idol. As a former member of the church choir at St. Christopher Parish in Midlothian, he’s had a love for music and performing for almost his entire life.
After years of being a music lover and an avid viewer of “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice,” Bateman decided it was time to enter a competition himself. This year he graced the stage for the second time in a row with hopes of winning the title of Senior American Idol.
Mark started off the night with “My Way” a song made popular in 1969 by Frank Sinatra, continuing in the second round with “Keeper of the Stars” by Tracy Byrd. In the final round, Mark impressed the audience and judges with “Mac the Knife,” which ended up securing his first-place win.
Before the competition began, local student JJ Purpura, 6, started the night off with a rendition of the National Anthem.
Amongst the crowd was the celebrity judge panel, which included musician Blake Alexander and esteemed Fashion Director Carol Tardi, along with former Senior American Idol winner Laura Alberts, a dedicated theatre arts and music professional, who took home the trophy in 2016. Comedian, author, and Tinley Park Trustee Bill Brady served as emcee for the event.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have so many talented seniors who are willing to come out, showcase their talents, and compete to benefit the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation,” said Supervisor Paul O’Grady. “Offering opportunities like this to our seniors is just one of the many ways we keep the members of our community involved. We’re incredibly glad to have also found a way to help benefit local youth in the process. I want to thank everyone who came out and supported their favorite singer, and of course, our Scholarship Foundation.”
Local News
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Neighbors
As state continues to inventory lead pipes, full replacement deadlines are decades away
By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois Clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com Lead pipes in public water systems and drinking fixtures have been banned in new construction since 1986, when Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act, but they are still in use across the U.S. and in Illinois. The presence of lead pipes has persisted due in part to…
Capitol Briefs: State unveils report on racial disparities among homeless populations
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com Tackling homelessness requires addressing racial injustice, according to a new report commissioned by the state’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. The report found that Black people are eight times more likely to experience homelessness than white people. Remedying this disparity, according to the report, would require “long-term…
Flooding is Illinois’ Most Threatening Natural Disaster. Are We Prepared?
by Meredith Newman, Illinois Answers Project April 16, 2024 This story was originally published by the Illinois Answers Project. The electricity in Mary Buchanan’s home in West Garfield Park was not working – again. The outage lasted four days, starting just after a crew dug up her front lawn to install a check valve in…
Bears pitch $3.2B stadium plan, but Pritzker still ‘skeptical’ despite team’s $2B pledge
By DILPREET RAJU & JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com The Chicago Bears laid out a $3.2 billion plan for a new domed stadium on Chicago’s lakefront on Wednesday afternoon, painting pictures of future Super Bowls and other major public events while pinning their hopes on yet-to-be-had conversations with the governor and lawmakers. The Bears…
Regulators weigh future of gas industry in Illinois, while clamping down on Chicago utility
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – Natural gas is fueling a fight between consumer advocates, a powerful utility company and the state. Amid competing advertising campaigns, accusations of mismanagement and state decarbonization efforts, the Illinois Commerce Commission is starting a process that will shape how the state regulates the increasingly controversial industry. …
Komatsu mining truck named 2024 ‘coolest thing made in Illinois’
By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois Clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – A mining truck manufactured by Komatsu was crowned the winner of the 2024 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of “the coolest thing made in Illinois” at the Governor’s Mansion Wednesday. The truck was one of more than 200 entries in the 5th annual contest hosted…
Giannoulias calls for disclosure of lobbyist contracts
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – For decades, lobbyists in the Illinois Statehouse have been required to report how much they spend wining, dining and entertaining lawmakers. Currently, though, there is no law requiring lobbyists to disclose how much they are paid by corporations, industry groups or other special interest organizations. That…
Illinois Senate advances changes to state’s biometric privacy law after business groups split
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – It’s been more than a year since the Illinois Supreme Court “respectfully suggest(ed)” state lawmakers clarify a law that’s led to several multi-million-dollar settlements with tech companies over the collection of Illinoisans’ biometric data. On Thursday, a bipartisan majority in the Illinois Senate did just that,…
Illinoisans can now get documents notarized online
By ALEX ABBEDUTO Capitol News Illinois abbeduto@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinoisans who need a notary public can now access those services online through a new “E-Notary” portal launched by the secretary of state’s office. This process is one of the latest initiatives of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ ongoing effort to modernize the office and its services. Notaries…
Prairie Band Potawatomi becomes 1st federally recognized tribe in Illinois
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Nearly 200 years after Native Americans were forced out of Illinois, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has become the first federally recognized tribal nation in the state after a decision from the U.S. Department of the Interior last week. The move represents the first victory in the tribe’s…