Malou Oheix Wins International Jazz Vocal Competition in Paris
French singer Malou Oheix, 27, won the Herbie Hancock Institute's International Jazz Vocal Competition, held for the first time outside the U.S. at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.
French singer Malou Oheix, 27, has won the Herbie Hancock Institute's International Jazz Vocal Competition. The event, held for the first time outside the United States in its nearly four-decade history, concluded its final rounds at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.
Oheix was awarded the first-place prize of $50,000 for her performances of "I'm Glad There Is You" and Michael Brecker's "Madame Toulouse." The judging panel included notable artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roberta Gambarini, Angélique Kidjo, and Gregory Porter.
Georgia Heers placed second, and Lucy-Anne Daniels secured third place. The finalists performed accompanied by a rhythm section featuring Carmen Staaf on piano, Ben Williams on bass, and Kendrick Scott on drums.
The event also honored jazz musician Arturo Sandoval with the "Maria Fisher Founder's Award." A tribute to architect Frank Gehry featured the world premiere of Danilo Pérez's composition "The Ever-Changing World." Other notable attendees and performers included Jeremy Irons, Gustavo Dudamel, and Herbie Hancock.