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Nala Price, 9, left, hugs Jerrianne Carlton, 10, after they are announced as finalists Thursday. Also pictured are junior finalists Annabella Marrero, 4, Jennifer Moore, 10, and Kalie Christian, 8, await
click any photo to view this story's photo gallery    published: Friday, September 26, 2008 Five teens, five juniors advance to Heartland Idol finals By KEVIN J. SHUTT SEBRING -- To kick off Heartland Idol's semi-final round for teens and juniors and second-to-last qualifying round for adults, master of ceremonies Don Elwell dedicated the Alvin and the Chipmunks version of Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" to Sheriff Susan Benton and Commissioner Barbara Stewart. They traded barbs, joked about parking spots but didn't throw a single punch in sending five teenagers and five juniors to next week's finals. Another five adults were added to the mix of semi-finalists. Their qualifying ends after next week. For better or worse, the permanent judges are Melanie Boulay, Vickie Jones, Jim McCollum and Rooter Rush. Martile Blackman, known for her work with Highlands Art League, Restoration Center and Highlands Little Theatre, was the celebrity guest judge. The junior and teen division were more upbeat with the addition of music. All qualifying has been a capella, and though contestants are allowed music accompaniment, it's not required. Angelise Pintor took a chance singing "Heaven Sent" a capella. Elwell called it "bold and brave." Jones said the 14-year-old was beautiful but the lack of music worked against her, despite her voice. Idol's 2007 Junior champion, Christopher Hawthorne, 13, didn't advance to the finals in his first bid as a teen, though he impressed with his soulful rendition of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." "It almost seemed like you were singing the harmony, not the melody," Blackman said. David Jolly, whom Elwell sarcastically described as always "somber, serious," dedicated his song to a friend. "I made a mistake with her," he said, introducing John Legend's "Ordinary People." "The song is about ordinary people rushing things." The target of his dedication wasn't present, he said. Courtesy of McCollum, Justus Martin, 15, received a history lesson in music. "I loved it," he said of her performance of Captain Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together." "I probably still have my 45 from when that came out." Martin had no idea what that meant, nor did most of her peers, who went home to Google the reference. Fortunately for her, the judges didn't deduct points for historical knowledge and Martin was one of five teenagers to advance to the finals. Points are awarded in three areas: 15 for vocals, 10 for stage presence and five for costume. There was a cowgirl and a Cinderella, but the cutest costume might have belonged to 4-year-old Annabella Marrero. The Lorida lass sang Shirley Temple's "Good Ship Lollipop" wearing a sailor's "Dixie cup" hat, red, white and blue polka-dotted skirt, white stockings and red sequined shoes. "I was thoroughly entertained," Boulay said. Rush said her song worked perfectly for the tot but recommended she work on holding the microphone closer to her mouth and away from her neck. "Maybe she can work on that when she's turning 5," Elwell said in Annabella's defense and to audience applause. The Idol crowd, about 300 strong, didn't take kindly to some of the constructive criticism offered the contestants. And, just as McCollum was gaining a reputation as this year's "Simon," Rush seemed in the running for the honor. One of the best performances, though all were entertaining and worth the effort of staking one's claim on the Circle, was Mary Hazel Teope's "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston. The audience put their hands together in applause three times before she completed her two-minute performance. "We've got a spontaneous standing ovation," Elwell said after she finished. "Mary Hazel, that's what I'm talking about," McCollum said. "People who aren't down here watching this are missing a thrill." Blackman was moved to her feet, fan in hand. "I have to cool you down," she said to Toepe. "You are hot, hot, hot." David Allen Toler watched from stage right as his son rocked out to Matchbox 20's "Unwell." Jones received her first every Heartland Idol boos and hisses when she deducted points for 15-year-old Anthony Toler's appearance. Wearing a red Trek mechanic's shirt over a black AC/DC tee and blue jeans, the teen was the consummate rocker. "You're a rocker dude," Boulay said, disagreeing with Jones. Both Tolers advanced to their respective next rounds. Idol returns 6 p.m. Thursday.  (by: Heather - 9/28/2008) My favorite part this season has been to watch the little girl with glasses grow from crying cause she didnt want to get on the stage to this past Thursday when she won all our hearts with her performance. And to whomever wrote about the judges and the kid crying, were you there when this little girl cryed cause she didnt want to get on stage, all the judges and the mc were encouraging her and telling her she could do it!!! (by: Bob - 9/28/2008) I wouldn't want to be a judge and have to tell someone they didn't do well. I think this year is the best year so far and the judges all have done a great job. So far, I agree with everyone they have sent through. Can't wait to see who wins!!! judges (by: Annie and Jo - 9/28/2008) Shrek, you must have had a kid who didn't make it. I have been to every show and have yet to see a judge as you called it 'mess up'. They are there to judge and if a child didn't sing well, then it is what it is. It is a good learning tool to what life is about. You don't always get your way. I think all the kids did great and should be proud of themselves (by: Dustin - 9/28/2008) great idea admireer!!!! how about it Idol commitee? Highlands County's got talent????? (by: Debbie - 9/28/2008) I agree about the kids, but remember they are there to be judged and the parents know that when they sign them up. The judges are busy and maybe dont see it when a kid crys?? I have been there twice and have seen the kids sing and some are really good and some are not. Not everyone can win. And I have also seen a judge go up to a child who was scared and was crying and hug them and gave her incouragement. How about (by: admirerer - 9/28/2008) Highlands Got Talent...that would be a cool, fun show! And, it would open up competition to a whole new group of performers. Or, Dance with the Highalnds County Stars ...... Benton could tango with a regular citizen, M. Wright could two-step with a taxpayer. Come on City of Sebring, we know if you can do Ido, you can do these too. judges comments (by: SHREK - 9/28/2008) Judges just need to remember these our kids not professionals, so becareful with criticism. We are there to have fun and it takes alot of courage to get up on that stage. And if judge slips up and makes a kid cry, afterwards it would be good for them to say something nice to the kid. Highlands County on the map (by: Terry and Sam - 9/27/2008) I heard about this event from a family member who lives in Sebring. I was down for vacation this past week and went with them on Thursday and WOW!!! Now I know what they were talking about. They told me how this all got started and I am impressed that a few people who had a vision made this what it seems to be. I am home now and talk about my great expreience in Sebring Fl. (by: Susan - 9/27/2008) my family looks forward to this every year. Sad to see Nov come when it ends.Maybe the committee can come up with something else after it is over???? (by: Glen - 9/27/2008) we need more things like this in Sebring (by: bluff - 9/27/2008) thats what I call entertainment in Highlands County!!  Small Banner AdsFeatured HomeTile Ads
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