Veronica Flores was voted the winner of Tejano Idol 2016, grabbing the crown for the sixth edition of the annual singing competition sponsored by the Austin Tejano Music Coaltion in Austin, Texas on Sunday, October 17.
The singer from Raymondville, Texas beat out 15 other finalists from around the country during the finale hosted by Tejano Hall of Famer Shelly Lares, celebrating her 34th year in the music industry.
“My experience in Tejano Idol 2016 was amazing,” Flores told Tejano Nation. “Words cant explain how I felt that moment, I was shocked…I’m still taking it in.”
Flores earned her way to the finale singing “No Me Queda Mas” by Selena at the McAllen auditions in August. Her performances of Selena’s “Si Una Vez” in the final round and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” in the first round of the Tejano Idol finale at Austin venue Dance Across Texas helped catapult the singer to the win.
Flores picks up $1000, the opportunity to record with legendary label Freddie Records as the new Tejano Idol, plus a video and photo shoot.
The Top 5 finalists included, runner-up Irene Sanchez, who won $500, a recording session with Hacienda Records and a video and photo shoot. Arizona singer Robert Grijalva came in third place and picked up $250 and a photo and video shoot. Stephanie Valenzuela placed fourth and Flores’ uncle Jaime Flores finished fifth.
“Being around my fellow contestants was an honor, especially my uncle Jaime Flores, who is a songwriter and singer as well. He was Top 5, so it was a awesome,” added the Tejano Idol winner. “To all the judges, Ms. Shelly Lares, Aggie (Saldana-Sanchez), also everyone who was a part of Tejano Idol. (I’m) completely happy and grateful.”
The competition was judged by singers David Farias, Tejano Roze, Steve “Rat” Silvas from Cañonazo, Mi Chel from Hacienda Records, and Marc Martinez from Freddie Records.
The Tejano Idol finale also featured performances from Shelly Lares, Isabel Marie Sanchez and last year’s Tejano Idol winner Monica Saldivar. Saldivar recently released her debut single, “Este Dolor,” written by Juan Trevino and produced by Mario Ortiz.
Past Tejano Idol winners include Ashley Borrero in 2011, 2012 winner Anani Rhames, 2013 winner Mario Macias, 2014 winner Erica Rangel, and last year’s winner Saldivar.
The Austin Tejano Music Coalition is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the preservation of the Tejano Music culture. Our goals are to promote the music, increase awareness, and grab the attention of new Tejano Music listeners. We want to draw a spotlight to young artists and infuse the Tejano Music scene with fresh and new talent.
LISTEN: 2016 Tejano Idol winner Veronica Flores talks with Tejano Nation’s Mingo Mariano
Tejano Nation 
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