November 7, 2005 (Vol. 2, No. 5)

Campus Peace Officer Hopes to Land Spot on Talent Show

Campus Peace Officer Edwin Gomez always knew he could sing, but he didn't know how well. Then he beat out over 300 aspiring stars auditioning for a spot on the popular Spanish-language talent show "Objectivo Fama" ("Object Fame"), which airs on the Telefutura network.

For two days, Officer Gomez underwent a series of intense auditions at Queens Theatre in the Park. By the end of the second day, only three semi-finalists were selected from New York City, and he was one of them. The show's judges will continue to hold auditions in 22 states and Puerto Rico before narrowing down the possible contenders to twenty.

Officer Gomez, who has had no formal vocal training, specializes in salsa, merengue and ballads. He says he attended the auditions out of curiosity. " I didn't go into it expecting much," he explains, "but once I was there, and I made it through the first couple of rounds, I started to think that maybe this could happen."

In "Objectivo Fama," contestants demonstrate their singing and dancing abilities before a panel of judges and a live studio audience. Each week, the contestant with the fewest number of votes is disqualified. Among the prizes, the winner receives a one-year recording contract with Univisión Records.

The show's producers will announce the 20 finalists in December, and begin airing the show in January. Those selected to participate relocate to Puerto Rico, where they receive vocal and dancing instruction.

In the meantime, Officer Gomez is enjoying his encounter with fame. Recently, he taped a series of commercials for the network, which are set to air soon.

"This has been a dream of mine for a long time," he says. "Even if I don't make, it's something that I know I will continue to pursue."

Listen to Officer Gomez sing "Amor De Millones," a song made popular by Gilberto Santa Rosa. Quicktime needed.

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