By ED BALDRIDGE
ed.baldridge@newssun.com
SEBRING -- It was longer than a good movie, but shorter than a bad one.
Crowds at the Heartland Idol semifinal Thursday certainly got their money's worth as 16 competitors sang show tunes and songs from movies in search of the $2,000 grand prize.
"As a group as a whole, this has to be some best competitors we have seen," said Highlands County's giant of an emcee, Don Elwell.
Celebrity judge, and past Idol winner, Nelly Guzman Ford agreed.
"This whole group is really talented," she said.
Alan Jay Wildstein and Barry Foster rounded out the usual judging crew of Jim McCullom and Vickie Jones as special guests.
The audience of more than 400 were treated to some tricky costumes, as several strutted their handiwork for prizes and recognition.
The winners were selected in categories of most original, scariest and cutest for the under-18 participants, and all three adults competitors received their just due for at least showing their stuff.
When the dust had settled around 9:30 p.m., only 12 singers were selected to move on to the next round including Pink Lady Julie Temple, who sang "There are Worse Things I Could Do" from the play and movie "Grease."
Michelle Rogers sang "Funny Honey" from the play and movie "Chicago" for her golden ticket, and Julia Newell also moved on with her snazzy rendition of show tune "Cabaret," complete with lingerie and top hat.
Amanda Mercer gave a judge-pleasing and energetic performance of "Popular" from "Wicked," which got her bumped up, and Amy McCoy, complete with nun outfit, suitcase, and habit, sang "I Have Confidence" from the "Sound of Music" for her pass to the next semifinal round.
Andrea Mathis moved on after giving a strong performance of "I Believe I Can Fly" from "Space Jam" while Shannon Marrero got the nod with "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" from "Phantom of the Opera."
Gary Laird moved to the next round with his country-rocking "Overnight Male" from "Pure Country."
Even though there was some discussion about performing the tune in the same style as the original artist, Idol contestant Tiffany Elliott was vaulted forward with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from the "Wizard of Oz."
Mark Brignoni sand Billy idol's "White Wedding" and bribed his way to the next level with his steady voice and candy.
A haunting performance of "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess" by Jennifer Buchanan, who was singing for two, earned her a spot, and Jared Gravely took not only the final spot for next week, but also the People's Choice selection with "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" from the movie "Armageddon."
Technical difficulties left crowd favorite Kevin Lorne with no back-up for "Come Fly with Me," and a cold deflated Timothy Anderson's turban while attempting "A Whole New World" from Aladdin.
The next semifinal for the event starts around 6 p.m. Thursday on the Circle.
Sunday, November 01, 2009 - www.newssun.com/1101-eb-heartland-idol