2016 Tejano Idol Finalists Announced

AUSTIN, Texas — The finalists for the 2016 edition of Tejano Idol were announced on Wednesday (September 7).

RELATED: 2015 Tejano Idol Monica Saldivar releases debut single “Este Dolor” [AUDIO]

The Austin Tejano Music Coalition, the non-profit organization that sponsors Tejano Idol,  has been in search of future Tejano music stars since 2011.  The nationwide singing contest has been initiated to highlight Tejano Music and showcase unknown talent from amateur singers of all ages.

After holding auditions in McAllen, Austin, San Antonio and many more locations, the ATMC chose 16 singers as finalists for the 2016 edition of Tejano Idol.

Here are the 16 Tejano Idol finalists for 2016:

Rob Huerta – Austin Tx – Watch audition video
Irene Sanchez – Corpus Christi Tx – Watch audition video
Yuliana Serrano Garcia – Austin Tx – Watch audition video
Felipe (PJ) Juarez – Bryan College Station – Watch audition video
Brenda Ocanez – Bryan College Station – Watch audition video
Halli Marie Castillo – Austin Tx – Watch audition video
Stephanie Valenzuela – Austin Tx – Watch audition video
Liz Garcia – San Antonio Tx – Watch audition video
Melani Munoz – San Antonio Tx – Watch audition video
Nicole Gutierrez – Corpus Christi Tx – Watch audition video
Brianna Moreno – San Antonio Tx – Watch audition video
Veronica Flores – McAllen Tx – Watch audition video
Jaime Flores – McAllen Tx – Watch audition video
Cindy Carmona – Laredo
Robert G – Arizona
Michael M – Houston

The Tejano Idol finale will take place at Dance Across Texas on October 16, 2016, in Austin, Texas at 1:00 p.m. Complete with the 16 contestants performing for celebrity judges, including singers David Farias, Tejano Roze, Steve “Rat” Silvas from Canonazo, Mi Chel from Hacienda Records, and Marc Martinez from Freddie Records. The finale will be hosted once again by two-time Grammy nominee Shelly Lares.

The Tejano Idol winner will be awarded $1000, a recording session with Freddie Records, a video and photo shoot. Second place will receive $500, a recording session with Hacienda Records, along with a video and photo shoot. Third place will receive $250 with a photo and video shoot. The Top 5 finalist will receive a trophy, with medals and certificates awarded to all finalists.

Past Tejano Idol contestants include 2015 winner Monica Saldivar, 2013 winner Mario Macias, 2011 contestant Angel Gonzalez, 2012 runner-up Devin Banda, and 2014 winner Erica Rangel.

Log onto www.atmc-tejanoidol.com for more information on Tejano Idol.