Charleston selects first AMC Icon finalist

Published July 22, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Melissa White
437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Charleston AFB was the first of 11 Air Mobility Command bases and affiliate units to host the one-night AMC Icon competition July 18.

AMC Icon is an AMC commander initiative based loosely around the "American Idol" TV show to showcase the vocal talents of AMC communities in a karaoke-style competition.

Sabrina Begay, wife of Staff Sgt. Marc Begay, was named the winner of the contest with a final score of 98 and was awarded a $500 cash prize. During the competition, she sang to Melissa Etheridge's "I'm the Only One."

The 27-year-old Texas native who claimed "I could sing before I could talk," signed up for the contest because she said she wanted something different to do.

"It was really exciting and I had a lot of fun," said Mrs. Begay. "I did it to meet people and just to get out of the house because I recently had a baby. But I was really surprised when I won because there was a lot of really good talent here."

The contestants were scored by judges on technical excellence and showmanship to include tone quality, enunciation, personality, style and several other areas. The judges included Lee Padgett, a drummer with the band "Deepfield," and Tessa and Baby J with the morning show on local radio station Z 93 JAMZ.

Though Mrs. Begay won at the base level, the second place winner, Senior Airman A. David Verde from the 437th Aerial Port Squadron, will advance as the base's finalist in the command-level competition. This is because the base-level contest was open to military members, family members and civilians 18 years of age or older, but it is only open to Airmen at the command level.

"I wasn't expecting to win at all, let alone go to Scott AFB and represent Charleston," said Airman Verde, who is an air transportation journeyman. "It's been a great experience and I'm really looking forward to singing with the Air Force Band."

During AMC Icon, contestants were allowed to perform with the accompaniment of prerecorded music for their song of choice, but the finalists will only be authorized accompaniment by the AMC Air Force Band of Mid-America at the command level.

The Headquarters AMC finals for AMC Icon will be held at Scott AFB, Ill., Oct. 23. This contest will feature finalists selected from all AMC bases and the top contestant selected from AMC affiliate units. The winner at the command level will receive $1,000 and the opportunity to perform with Tops in Blue.

Charleston AFB was the only base to host AMC Icon in July; all others are scheduled to have their events in August.

"There was outstanding talent here at the base and the audience really got into it and enjoyed themselves," said Laura Abell, 437th Force Support Squadron marketing director and project officer for the base's AMC Icon. "I think we did great leading the way with AMC Icon and we have an outstanding performer looking to take home $1,000 in October."