TJ wins Gay Idol

Of the 12 contestants who competed for the title of Windy City Gay Idol 2011 on June 18 at Sidetrack, TJ Chernick gave the most charismatic performances and won the crowd’s attention and votes.

Judge Mitchell Fain said, “What is fun about this competition is that we get people who are not necessarily performers professionally who come out and have a good time, and then every once in a while you get somebody who is extraordinary. It’s really impressive.”

As the winner, Chernick received $1,000 in cash; a trip for two to Vancouver; a Miller Lite mountain bike; and a gift bag with several different theatre tickets. Chernick said, “I feel elated and I’m mostly grateful for the incredible friends and support that I’ve had, without them it would have been nothing.” Throughout his performances his friends could be seen front row center cheering him on. After they announced the winner, his friends joined him onstage for a celebratory dance.

Text by Constance Ruholl; photos by Kat Fitzgerald, www.MysticImagesPhotography.com.