Eli Gerstner, a man of many hats and talents, is accustomed to being stopped by people he does not know, but who recognize him through his music.
But, when the Flatbush resident spent this past Shabbos in the Five Towns of Long Island, he was practically swamped by curious music fans.
“Throughout the whole Shabbos people were asking me about the competition,” says Gerstner, the new judge on Season Two of “A Jewish Star” singing talent contest.
“Everyone is asking what I think about this or that, what exactly are the prizes, how will the show work and on and on,” related the producer of Yeshiva Boys Choir (YBC), the Chevra and Menucha groups, the Yosis Orchestra and more.
Asked by COLlive.com for his impression of the auditions in the junior competition, Gerstner said: “I haven’t watched any.”
Why?
“I’m trying to stay away from even knowing who is auditioning, because I want to be surprised and have a clear mind when I actually see the finalists that the public has chosen.”
In addition to joining YBC, the winner of the junior contest will be receiving 2 flight tickets to Israel with hotel accommodations covered by VIP Israel, $1,000 from Tribul credit-card processing services and a commitment from Aderet / MostlyMusic.com to promote him.
To date, 26 junior contestants have already auditioned from locations such as Australia, Ontario in Canada, Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, Florida and California and even Washington, DC.
When asked what qualities he looks for when he auditions choir members, Gerstner said: “Good voice, stage presence and the most important factor – aidelkeit.”
What do you mean by that?
“A child who performs must be a Baal Midos. It won’t work any other way. People don’t want to see a boy with an ego. The ego comes through in the voice.”
So a good voice is not all?
“Exactly. We turn down so many kids who try out for YBC who have amazing voices but lack in Aidelkeit. Take Avrohom Fried, for example, he has an amazing stage presence without the ego. And look where he is…”
To view the junior contestants go to AJewishStar.com. Voting will begins on December 29, 2010.
UPDATE: A Jewish Star judge Eli Gerstner will be a guest on the Zev Brenner radio show today at 5:30pm EST. Tune in at TalklineCommunications.com
he is awesome if he doesnt win im gonna dislike this contest!!
is that eli shemtov?
Yisroel Levin outdoes them all!!!!!!!!!!!!
go Yisroel!!!
U ROCK!!!!!!!!!
cant wait to see you on that stage!!!!
two kids who toatlly rock the choir in lubavitch educational center, sometimes they r singing together in the hallways, its awesome
I really want to know so that I can have a chance for the next contest.
what is it?????????
goldin is really good seriously he got stage presence and a good voice!
they should totally have a girls contest. its not fair that only the boys have a contest.we should also be able 2 express our talents.
Mendel pink is definitely the best!!! true talent!!!!!
yeah. i totally agree with you but one thing i know the best girl siger in the world. and it’s not you.
there is one!!!
Mendel – stop being so modest and go audition-I am sure that you will come out on top.
yes that is amars real voice i know him personally through his bro who is in the grade yunger than me and he is really good
i 100 percent agree with 36 and 44. girls cuold have singing talents too
T
hose 2 were really awesome.Each has its own style.Both great!!!!
aryeh leib has such a good voice!!!
I totaly agree w\ 36! they should have a girls only comp.!!
my vote goes to avraham zosha golden !!!!!
has our votes; his singing and presentation come over with quality, eidelkeit and charm……… definitely a winner b’ezras Hashem!
the best, so proud
random kid- but such a good voice!
His voice has a special ring to it . He definitely, without a doubt has a good heart ,excellent middos.I would vote for him.
they should have a contest for girls!!!!!!!!
YOU ARE A SUPER STAR…….JUST LOOK IN THE SKY AT ALL THE BRIGHT STARS AND YOU OUT SHINE ALL OF THE REST !!!! I’M VERY PROUD OF YOU……# 1…..
Judging by the richness of the voice, all the others pale to Yisroel Amar.
M. Shor
theres a new one by menachem feldman from australi im generally a big critic but when i heard him i was amazed.he is really good anyone who is a mayvin can hear that his voice is one of a kind. he reaches high keys and makes it sound easy.sings very hartzig and has a rich voice…if he would of done it in a studio then it would be easier to notci but those that have a chush….can tell right away.
go aryeh leib!!!!!!
having trouble choosing
Amar and milstein have my vote aidel and gorgeous voices
…and they both rock! along with the rest of the boys1 go junior starS
the pink kid is truly a special singer who sings from his heart and is talented with instruments too he did not hav any ego on the video
and the amar kid is also really good with a rich voice and no ego!! hope to see you guys on stage!
yes that is his real voice. I have heard him live many times. He also sang live at the Grand Chanukah Festival in Ft. Lauderdale this past year that was broad-casted online. Go yisrael amar!
Mendel you are the best in stage presence, voice and above all aidelkeit!
Mendy Smoller rocks the house!!!!!!! GO MENDY!!! We are so proud of you!!! ADB
A new contestant has gone up by the name of Mendy Schlanger which is a league of it’s own! Well done Mendy!
great job! great kid!
all the contestants are going to preform on stage? or it would be narrowed down?
Mendel Pink is the most amazing singer. And i can personally testify that he truly sings from his neshama!!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MENDEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is by far the most talented, totally the best stage performance, and an outstanding voice,
besides singing, he is also performing
Go Eli! You rock man! Awesome voice..
Good job! Making us proud
MENDY SMOLLER!!
Where can i vote??
Amazing, i really enjoyed listening to it
eli weiss 100 percent. he was the kid that saNG BY SIMCHAS BAIS HASHUEVA hes amazing and has such good stage presence and awe. hes worlds biggest cutie
Yisroel Amar is awesome and he great kid too.
:O) Shani
I’m so happy he’s one of the judges! smart guy…
OMG that kid has THE BEST voice EVERRRRRRRRR!
my votes on him!
Thank you!
MENDEL KOTLARSKY ROXXX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If this Amar kid is really the one singing then he is amazing. no one is even close
i wish they had it for girls im the best singer
the best by far
The kid Milstein is way better than all of them. He has such a rich voice. He is also cute and aidel.
the amar kid from florida is the bestt!!!