Trying to tally up the ballots on the MEMBERS' CHOICE FAVORITE PERFORMERS OF 2008 received to date (about half of our 380 members have voted so far) took a lot longer than expected - especially the MALE & FEMAL VOCALIST categories, where, because of the large number of nominees, voters were asked to choose three names. Unfortunately, I had to toss out four ballots because only one name was chosen.
I am not going to give exact numbers but here are some results so far.
FEMALE VOCALIST:
Barbara Cook, not unexpectedly, has a long lead and will be difficult to catch. In fact I will place her in a separate category for the purposes of this poll - I am certain she would not mind.
Raissa Katonah Bennett, Baby Jane Dexter, Terese Genecco, Lina Koutrakos, Laurie Krauz, Sue Matsuki, Marilyn Maye, Amanda McBroom, Karen Oberlin and Julie Reyburn are all bunched for second - only 4 votes separate highest from lowest. And another 4 names are tied - just 1 vote behind the pack.
MALE VOCALIST:
Lennie Watts is clearly the leader here, but less than 10 votes behind Watts is a crowded bunch (3 votes apart from each other) made up of Eric Michael Gillett, Miles Phillips and Marcus Simeone. And another bunch, only a few votes back from that trio are Sam Harris, Russ Lorenson, Barry Lloyd, Martin Vidnovic, Jonathan Whitton and Jason Wynne in a virtual tie.
Now I have to start a new piece of paper and tally the Debut and Duo categories.
Stay tuned.
At this point, every vote counts. Be sure to send in your ballot. Voting ends March 31st - MEMBERS ONLY.
