The 2017 Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition
The Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition showcases up-and-coming vocal talents from around the world.
The Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition showcases up-and-coming vocal talents from around the world. The contest takes place each year during the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Shure has been honoured to sponsor the competition since its inception back in 2003.
For the 2017 edition, just seven lucky singers were selected from 100 entrants to perform at the festival on July 4. Germany alone accounted for three semi-finalists, but there were also contestants from Sweden, The Netherlands, South Africa and the United States. Both the semi-finals and finals were held at the Petit Théâtre at the Montreux Palace Hotel.
A three-person jury, headed by US vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant, had the difficult job of picking three singers for the finals on July 5. The finalists had just 15 minutes to convince the jury they possessed the vocal chops impressive enough to be crowned the winner.
Alexander Lövmark from Sweden won first prize after performing “Fascinating Rhythm,” his own composition “Peak” and the jazz ballad “Skylark.” Sara Decker from Germany took second and Talie Monin from South Africa finished third.
Alexander won 5,000 Swiss francs and a free recording session Balik Farm Studio in Switzerland’s Toggenburg region.
Alexander Lövmark, Winner of the 2017 Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition
I didn’t expect anything from this final other than participating, so it’s super thrilling, I just try to tell a story and be honest about. Give the audience a little look inside my head.
Alexander Lövmark performing live at the finals of the 2017 Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition.
The second- and third-place winners were awarded 3,000 and 2,000 Swiss francs respectively for their impressive efforts. All three finalists also received Shure equipment worth €2,000.
As in years past, former competition winner Sabine Kühlich was backstage to offer her insights and speak with the finalists and jury president.
