Sonya Mendez enters her third and final year as a resident judge on Hawaii's top singing competition show, "Hawaii Stars". This veteran entertainer with over 30 years on stage has found her "Hawaii Stars" experience both rewarding and humbling. "Hawaii has a multitude of untapped, fresh talent that can benefit from training in all areas of performance...They're able to get a taste of what the audition process feels like on the mainland. I'm grateful that I've been able to contribute to their development."

Highlights of Sonya's career in 2005 include performing on an 8-day Mediterranean cruise in May with Paradise and Company, Hawaii's top show/dance band, consisting of 8 musicians fronted by 5 lead singers. Upon her return from Europe, Sonya will release her first single, "Luau Cha Cha Cha" from her upcoming CD "Back to the Islands" on her own label, Fat and Happy Records. The single release will be enhanced with live performances throughout the islands, in addition to a special performance with Kit Samson's Sound Advice Reunion Dance Party on May 27 in Honolulu. Sonya performs with her duo, "Just Two Girls" on the first Friday of each month at the Honolulu Club Bar and Lounge and on selected Saturdays at Brew Moon restaurant. She is the vice president of the Rotary Club of Kapolei and the community calendar editor for Pacific Media Publishing's three community papers - The Leeward Current, West Oahu Current and the Ka Nupepa.  

This season Sonya wears selected pieces from her wardrobe, as well as original designs by up and coming local designer, Kini Zamora. Hair styling is provided by Oney from Salon Mei and make-up by Miki Johnson.

An award-winning composer, recording artist, chanter, singer, stage actor, producer, director, and Kumu Hula, Hälau Nä Wainohia. Tony’s illustrious career started at age 8 and has spanned more than three decades.

In 1985, Tony’s debut recording project, Hawaiian Passion won four Nä Hökü Hanohano Awards. He walked away with Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Traditional Hawaiian Album of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year.

In 1990, Tony moved to New York City and success was quick. He was cast in the original Broadway production of Miss Saigon. During his stint with Miss Saigon, Tony also tackled the Cabaret circuit, performing at venues like Don’t Tell Mama, Duplex, Eighty-Eights, to mention a few. He maintained his foundation to Hawai’i by teaching hula and chant through workshops by Radio Hula, the Hawaii Cultural Foundation, the Alvin Ailey Dance Center and Fordham University.

He established his award winning Hälau (Hula School) in 1997, Hälau Nä Wainohia. In 2004, he completed the first graduate class from his hula school.

Email Tony at tonyc@hawaiistars.com