Detroit's Drey Skonie wins 'Amplify' singing competition as Motown music takes center stage
Drey Skonie wowed judges with an emotive, showstopping performance of the Miracles’ “Ooo Baby Baby” to win the “Amplify: The Sound of Detroit” competition Wednesday night.
The 37-year-old Detroit singer was crowned champ to close out a 2½-hour show for a full house at the Gem Theatre as the Motown Museum staged the fifth edition of its annual singing contest.
Skonie, sporting a sharp vintage look to go with dynamic vocals and dramatic stage moves, topped a field of 10 Michigan contestants performing songs from the Motown catalog. Wednesday capped a months-long journey for the singers, who underwent an artist-development program in the mode of Motown’s classic system.
Flint’s Ms. Nikell took second place with a powerful interpretation of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “If I Were Your Woman,” while the third spot went to Canton’s Tozzi, who opened the show with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” blending arrangements made famous by Marvin Gaye-Tammi Terrell and Diana Ross.
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Judges included Spotify global marketing chief Justin Norman, artist manager Toya Hankins and music producer Marcus Devine.
Skonie’s winning rendition of the 1965 Miracles jewel was applauded by show host Doug E. Fresh, who called it “a whole ‘nother level — Detroit-player level.” Judges praised the conviction of Skonie's delivery: "Everyone here can feel what you put on the stage," Norman said.
In an emotional video clip ahead of the performance, Skonie spoke of his “long grind” in the music game, saying he was eager for his daughter to at last see him succeed.
His win earned him $5,000 in cash along with studio time, meetings with Motown Records personnel and potential performance spots.
Doug E. Fresh was a lively, likable emcee on a night that featured musically diverse takes from the 10 contestants, who ranged in age from 20 to 39. The New York beatboxing pioneer is set to join the Motown Museum’s board of trustees.
He said backstage he has long studied Motown’s music and techniques, including the “traditional way of artist development that doesn’t happen much anymore.”
“Motown has a very intentional way of making sure the talent is finely tuned,” Fresh said.
Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit singer Drey Skonie crowned champ at 2023 'Amplify' competition
