published: Sunday, March 10, 2013

Familiar voice named Teen Idol

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

SEBRING - It wasn't much of a shock for Heartland Idol revelers when the 2013 Teen Idol Champion was named Thursday night. Previous Junior Idol champion and well-known aspiring singer Nala Price put on a unprecedented performance during the Teen Finale at the Highlands County YMCA earning the performer her second Idol win.

"I know what to expect from you because I've heard you sing so many times before, but tonight you brought something so different. That was awesome," Idol judge Dustin Woods said.

Price's familiar, and always amazing, performances have remained sketched in the minds of local fans. However, Thursday's performance thrust the 13-year-old singer into a whole new light.

Following Price's re-vamped version of the chart topping Alicia Key's hit "Girl on Fire", judges could give the young singer nothing but positive feedback.

"That was so sick," said veteran judge Larry Moore. "That was frightening. I love your voice. It is so beautiful and so powerful. You came out here to sing; you came here to win."

The Teen Idol division was packed with talent. Judges had a difficult time determining who to name winners this year. The five contestants - Olivia Hitt, Cammie Lester, Nala Price, Sareena Stoner, and Kiana Vassell - were a talented bunch, each giving outstanding performances throughout the contest.

Price was awarded $500 for her first place win. Teen Idol second-place winner was 17-year-old Olivia Hitt. Hitt's performance earned her $250. Cammie Lester, 13, was awarded $125 for her third-place win.

Stoner was named People's Choice winner by a vote of applause by Idol fans.

"This is by far the most pleasurable event of my year thus far. I am elated with the talent in the county," Moore said.

The second qualifying round of the Idol adult division trailed the Teen Finale Thursday. The judges added five more singers to the adult contestant roster following seven performances by some talented vocalists.

Returning performers Johanna Johnston and Gary Johnson earned their spot in the semi-finals after being rejected during the first adult qualifier. Familiar Idol voice and face Flor Gonzalez belted out an R&B oldie that gained him entry, while two spur-of-the-moment performances from Shana Cinquino and Erin Sena landed them spots in the next round.

The five contestants will join the first rounders at the first round of Adult Semi-Finals on Thursday. The 10 contestants will be performing Music Billboard #1 Hits from 1955-2012 (excluding any songs from the 1980s). The second Adult Semi-Final round will be held March 21; the date will also showcase the Senior Idol competition.

Interested participants for the Senior Idol contest may contact Idol founder Diana Walker at 381-2343. Applications may be picked up and returned (with a $5 entry fee) to Keiber Law Office, 129 S. Commerce Ave.

All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Highlands County YMCA. For updates and more information visit the Heartland Idol Facebook page.