Montauk Pioneer - September 5, 2008

They may not have been on the big stage, or TV screens across the country with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson judging and criticizing them, but seven lucky singers competed last Friday night to be the "Liar's Idol" of Montauk.

After coming down on Friday nights to sing throughout the year, these seven people, known only by their first names in this contest, were: Michelle, Lola, Buddy, Diane, Victor the Cowboy, Whitney, and Kevin. Last Friday night, they each sang their favorite song, surrounded by a crowd of about 300 people, that spilled onto the waterside deck and grounds outside.

The contest began at about 11 p.m., for this late-night crowd of party animals, and the electricity was running high, as people cheered for each contestant who went up to the mike. As people watched and sang along throughout the night with the help of Karaoke kings Jimmy and his brother Harry, they eagerly awaited the final judging. There were two rounds of singing, with each contestant doing two songs.

Finally, cheers and applause went out as this year's big winner, Whitney, was announced, and the 22 year-old nanny from Lloyd Harbor screamed, hugged her boyfriend, and walked up to get her $350 prize.

"I love to sing, and I've been singing since I could talk," said Whitney, who competed with her favorite song, 'I Will Always Love You.' "I think the contest is so awesome. I'm originally from Florida, and I love it here in Montauk. Some locals told me about this contest, and I just decided to enter."

Second prize, of a dinner for two at Harvest Restaurant in Montauk, went to Kevin, of New York City, who was also elated. Third prize, which is a most-coveted Liar's jacket, went to Buddy, a school principal in East Hampton.

"I'm so excited to be a winner," said Buddy. "I view this, more of a celebration than a competition. We are all celebrating the end of a great summer and contest."

Lola, who also competed, said she was hoping to win the Liar's jacket. "I've been singing at Liar's since the moment I walked off the plank," joked Lola, a tattoo artist from New Jersey, where she owns a tattoo studio. "Tonight I sang a love song-"Chains," by the Cookies. But my motto is, "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets." Except tonight, she didn't get the jacket.

But Cowboy Victor, of New Rochelle, who sang a country western number, said even though he didn't win, he had a "great time singing," and he'll be back next year.

Helen, of East Hampton, who won this contest three years ago, when she belted out, "Proud Mary," said, "It was exciting being the best of our group. But the best part was getting my name taken off the bathroom wall, and having my photo hung up in the bar instead."

The "Liar's Idol" competition was the brainchild of Calogera, better known as "CC," who is the girlfriend of Liar's Saloon and Offshore Sports Marina owner Vinnie Carillo. Throughout the entire contest, and on the many Friday nights year-round with Karaoke, they sit at the bar and listen to all the wannabe singers who come passing through the doors of this famous dockside bar.

"One day, I was watching 'American Idol,' and I started thinking why can't we have a Liar's Idol," said CC. "It's so popular, everyone loves it. And Liar's is a bar where everyone rubs shoulders with fishermen, boat owners, city people and locals, who all get along." She said every Friday night after July 4, the Liar's Idol contest takes place weekly, and then the top winners are chosen to compete in the finale on Labor Day Weekend.

"This is our sixth Liar's Idol contest, and we think some of these young singers may even go on to compete in 'American Idol,'" said Vinnie Carillo.

But CC said, "We say if you're too old to be an American Idol, you're never too old to be a Liar's Idol."