Montgomery County News

Local talent competes in Montgomery Idol Competition April 16, 2008 - No reporter cited

Danielle Cummings - Editor
Stephanie Gulick -MIHS

Montgomery County’s finest voices competed Saturday, April 12 in the Montgomery Idol competition held by Pat Perusich and the Mount Ida School Band.
Three categories of contestants showcased their vocal ability throughout the night, singing everything from traditional country to modern dance music.

Commercials and entertainment were also provided by members of the band and choir. Similar to the television show, three judges critiqued each performer after each song. Sheila Bryant, Sarah Gray, and Jessican Austin were both applauded and booed throughout the duration of the show. 

In the first round, Junior Idol contestant, Kaitlyn Wright started the evening singing “Beautiful Soul.” The next contestant was Jessie Staton singing, “Jesus take the Wheel.” Bethany Mead went next with “What I’ve been looking for.” Erica Adams sang, “Three Wooden Crosses” and Teryn Gaston finished the first round of Jr. Idol with “Breakaway.”

William Watkins entertained during intermission with trumpet music while the votes were placed and counted.

Winning third runner-up in the Jr. Idol competition were Kaitlyn Wright and Jessie Staton. Second runner-up was won by Bethany Mead. Erica Adams took first runner-up and winning Jr. Idol was Teryn Gaston. Each winner received prizes donated by local sponsors.

Teen Idol started out with a bang with Brandon Abernathy performing a very entertaining version of “Ain’t Nothin’ About You.” Lindsey Manley performed “Strawberry Wine” followed by Karissa Snow singing “Pour Me.” Devin Weston sang “Why” followed by Cassie Yates singing “Bring on the Rain.” Morgan Wingfield sang “Born to Fly” and Kayleight Wright performed, “Leaving.”

At an intermission during Teen Idol, a commercial break provided entertainment with Kim Callaway, Lindsey Manley and Trey Wingfield rapping their order at the drive-thru at McDonalds.

Votes were placed and tallied determining those advancing to the semifinal round. Lindsey Manley, Karissa Snow and Cassie Yates advanced to the finals where they each performed another song each before the final votes were placed.

Winning the Teen Idol category were second runner-up Karissa Snow, first runner-up Lindsey Manley and Cassie Yates was named Teen Idol winner.

In the final contest of the night, three competitors sang two songs each during the semifinals and the finals. Heidi Johnson started Montgomery Idol with “Son of a Preacher Man.” Janie Guerra sang “Still I Rise” and Kandis Sandlin performed “Adore.”

Each contestant continued to the final round after a very close count of votes. Heidi Johnson sang “Kerosene,” Janie Guerra sang, “I believe in you and me,” and Kandis Sandlin performed, “Like we never loved at all.”

Janie Guerra received the most votes and was crowned winner of the Montgomery Idol competition. First runner-up went to Kandis Sandlin and second-runner to Heidi Johnson.

Guerra, Yates, Manley and Gaston were invited to do encore performances at the MIHS Band Choir concert to be held Tuesday, May 6 in the auditorium at 7:pm.

Votes were cast at one dollar per voting ballot and concessions were provided by members of MI band and choir. The Mount Ida school band raised over $1,600 to be used toward the purchase of new uniforms and the cost of band camp.

The event was sponsored by Mount Ida Pharmacy, Mount Ida Furniture, Dairyette, Subway, Tiger Mart, Movie Club and Tanning, Shack Attack, Don’s Video and tanning, Mount Ida Cafe, Songbird Cafe, The Electric Chair and Mane Event.

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