Swarthmore's Jacob Mergott Wins 'Vocalist' at Media Theatre

The tallies have been tabulated, the votes have been counted, and the songs have been sung. After six weeks of bringing his smooth pop crooning style to The Media Theatre stage, the winner of the 2016 "Vocalist" competition is 17 year old Jacob Mergott of Swarthmore.

Mergott brought a unique quality to the contest, choosing songs one might hear Michael Buble sing or that you would hear backed by a big band week after week. Barely needing a microphone, but using one as all contestants do, Mergott's natural sleek bari-tenor vocals were loud and clear.

During the finals, each of the Top 15 were asked to sing a show tune. Each of the contestants had to prepare two songs in the case they made it to the second act (the top five). Jake Mergott's show tune was "Blue Skies" from the 1929 Rodgers and Hart show "Betsy", and in the top five spotlight he performed the classic "You Raise Me Up" to much applause.

The 17 year old audience favorite walked away with $1500 as the winner, and much enthusiasm for his future.

Coming in second place was 16 year old Allison Sutton of Hatboro who won $500. Malvern's Molly Sorensen, 15, came in third place, with Elaine Ficarra, 15, of Glenmoore winning fourth and Phoenixville's 21 year old Carrie Hytha taking fifth. The third, fourth, and fifth place winners received $100 each. All of the five top placers were also given Media Theatre gift cards.

The Media Theatre has been producing the summer singing contest for a decade, having been created by Cline. Once called "Delco Idol", for the past several years it's been referred to as "The Vocalist" and is sponsored by Iron Workers Bank. The Wednesday night gives young performers and singers an opportunity to highlight their skills in front of a large live audience each week, as they hone their craft. For four weeks, no one is eliminated, until the Semi-Finals and the Finals take place in August.

This was Mergott's second year in the competition, having made it to the Top 15 last summer. He was also seen in "Tale of Beauty and the Beast" as The Beast last fall, during which he was able to focus on his acting skills.

For more information about educational opportunities at The Media Theatre, which begins its Fall semester of acting classes September 10, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

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