More than 192,000 Jets fans cast online votes for one of three finalists in the first Jets National Anthem Contest. The contest was held earlier this summer in collaboration with Columbia Records and 1050 AM ESPN Radio.
By an extraordinarily narrow margin, Heather Kreuzman of Flushing, N.Y., beat Nicole Alexis of Freeport, N.Y., to win the contest. Victor Velazquez of Jersey City, N.J., came in third.
Contest winner Heather Kreuzman will perform the anthem before an audience of 80,000 fans on Sunday, Dec. 9, when the Jets host the Cleveland Browns. She will also have the opportunity to meet with a Columbia Records talent scout.
Dozens of contestants arrived at the Meadowlands early in the morning on a hot summer day to sing their best rendition of the Star Spangled Banner for a panel of judges. Ranging from kids 9 years of age to men and women in their fifties, the wannabe stars sang their hearts out, hoping to realize their dreams of performing in front of a packed stadium.
With enthusiasm, spirit and confidence, the contestants took the field one by one, belting out the anthem to the best of their abilities. Some, more nervous than others, stumbled on the words, stopping and starting more than once. Other contestants were thrown by the echo of the PA system, unsure whether earplugs might help or hurt.
Ranging from a rock 'n' roll version with a Jimi Hendrix spin to a gospel-inspired duo to a female foursome - all in all, the contestants' efforts were nothing short of impressive.
Don't miss Heather Kreuzman's performance on Dec. 9 and be sure to check www.newyorkjets.com at the end of the season for information about next year's contest so that you too can realize your own dreams of becoming a big star.
