Teressa Deneen Welolani Medeiros Noury (center), winner of the 2023 Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha‘iha‘i Falsetto Contest, poses alongside the contest’s namesake, Carmen Hulu Lindsey (left) and Lindsey’s daughter, Napua Silva, who served as a judge during the event on Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Photo courtesy Daryl Fujiwara / Festivals of Aloha
A Lahaina woman who competed last year while pregnant was crowned the winner of the 2023 Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest on Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.
“I was in shock,” 39-year-old Teressa Deneen Welolani Medeiros Noury said of her win. “I wasn’t expecting it. I was joining just to do it.”
Noury earned the title for her performance of “Pohai Kealoha.” She took home $600 donated by Honua Consulting and ‘Aina Archaeology, lei hulu by Hulunani — Leonani Meyer, an opportunity to perform at Keauhou Shopping Center in Kona, a K-1 Concert Soprano ukulele from Kanile’a ‘Ukulele and a custom bracelet from Hawaii’s Heritage Jewelers.
“Teressa competed last year pregnant, didn’t place and returned this year and won,” contest coordinator Daryl Fujiwara said in a news release Saturday. “It’s hard to win on your first go. There are so many variables. I coordinate Uncle Richard’s Falsetto Contest, now heading into its 21st event, and many try over and over again, and eventually place. You learn from the judges’ notes, you continue to practice, gain more stage experience and the hard work shows.”
She also earned the ‘Olelo Hawai’i award for her articulation and command of the Hawaiian language, accuracy of mo’olelo Hawai’i, and comfort/ease in delivery. Presented by the resort’s Cultural Adviser Clifford Naeole and General Manager Andrew Rogers, it included a two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.
“It’s definitely bringing out the awareness of female singers in Hawaiian culture,” said Noury about the importance of the contest. “For years male singers and falsetto singers have been very prominent between competitions and recording. There are not too many female artists that have come about since the 1950s. It was popular before and died away.”
Singing in high school in the Glee Club at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, Noury cited Genoa Keawe, Lena Machado and Myra English as influences. In previous years, she sang at the Kindy Sproat Falsetto Contest and the Merrie Monarch Festival.
“I used to sing a lot more when I was younger,” she said. “I enjoy singing. I just don’t enjoy playing for myself, because I’m not a strong instrument player.”
Second place was awarded to Ashley Kalikolehuanani Kaauamo of Wailuku for her rendition of “Nani Wale Keanae.” She took home an award and $400 from Honua Consulting and ‘Aina Archaeology, and a Kala ukulele from Ekolu Music and Apparel at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center.
Third place went to Pomaika’i Mailani Me Kealoha Jones of Wailuku, who performed “Laieikawai.” She took home an award and $300 cash from Honua Consulting and ‘Aina Archaeology.
Other contestants included Kellysa-Michiko Namakaokalani Pau’ole from Wailuku, Sherry Star Kuualoha Kaku from Hawaii Kai on Oahu and Allegra Alohilani Althea Kauo from Papakolea on Oahu.
Contestants were judged on vocal quality, vocal technique, vocal aesthetics, musicianship, mele background, Hawaiian language pronunciation/enunciation and technique, and overall presentation.
The overall judge was the namesake of the contest, Carmen Hulu Lindsey. Music judges were Lindsey’s daughters, Napua Silva and Kahulu Maluo Pearson. Kahele Dukelow and Carlson Kamaka Kukona III were also music judges.
A professional entertainer and recording artist, Lindsey won the 2014 Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Female Vocalist of the Year for her album, “A He Leo Wale No E.” Her previous albums include the multi-Hoku-nominated “Ho’oanapau.” She was featured more recently on the Hoku-nominated album, “Lei Nahonoapi’ilani — Songs of West Maui.” Lindsey has represented Maui as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee since 2012 and currently chairs the board.
The inaugural female falsetto contest was held in 2022, with Lahela Lee Park of Hana declared the champion. Park performed “Na Pua Nani Like’ole,” dedicated to Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho. Lindsey said at the time of the inaugural contest that she wanted it to be an opportunity for female falsetto singers to come forward and help perpetuate the style.
The contest was presented by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Festivals of Aloha, Huihui Restaurant at Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, Lokahi Pacific and the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.
Teressa Deneen Welolani Medeiros Noury (center), winner of the 2023 Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha‘iha‘i Falsetto Contest, poses alongside the contest’s namesake, Carmen Hulu Lindsey (left) and Lindsey’s daughter, Napua Silva, who served as a judge during the event on Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Photo courtesy Daryl Fujiwara / Festivals of AlohaToday's breaking news and more in your inbox
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