(Courtesy of TTI) A little over 11 years ago, Felicia Temple was runner-up in the first Teaneck Teen Idol contest. On Saturday night, January 20, Ms. Temple is coming back to be its special guest judge, bringing her experience from “The Voice” to guide today’s talented teens.

Temple has honed her musical skills as a singer/songwriter at NYC’s famed SOBs, headlined shows at DROM, sang the national anthem at multiple NBA games, opened for acts including the O’Jays and SWV and toured overseas. She had show-stopping performances on Blake Shelton’s team on “The Voice,” in 2017, singing “Titanium,” “My Heart Will Go On,” “All I Could Do Was Cry” and “Defying Gravity.” After her struggle and recovery from cancer (while she was preparing for “The Voice”), Temple wrote and recorded the EP “The Balancing Act,” which is available on iTunes and all digital retailers.

“I grew up in Teaneck in a musical family,” she said. “My dad is a touring musician and I learned to play sheet music and piano. I was given opportunities to perform as a kid—and that first Teaneck Teen Idol contest was one of the best.

Everyone was so supportive and helpful. The fact that I was runner up—well that made me want to push myself more! I’m happy to be able to pass on the support and guidance I was given.”

The 11th Annual Teaneck Teen Idol contest will be held on Saturday night, January 20, at 8 p.m. at Teaneck High School, with 14 amazingly talented contestants from the Frisch School, Teaneck High School and the Teaneck Community Charter School. Like the original American Idol, judges will select five finalists and the audience will vote on the winner.

The evening will be emceed by Anthony Johnson, WABC-TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News Reporter. 2017 Teaneck Teen Idol Neli Elhadad will perform. Temple will join judges Jackie Kates, Jeremy Lenz and Reggie Bennett. Tickets are available online at www.teaneckcommunitychorus.org or at the door: adults: $20, seniors: $15, students: $5. For more information, call 201-836-2934.