Classifieds Buttons
SearchBanner Ad News-Sun photo by ED BALDRIDGE
Idol contestant Julia Newell performs ÒCabaretÓ for fans during last Thursday semi-final round.
click any photo to view this story's photo gallery    published: Sunday, November 01, 2009 
Heartland Idol down to final dozen singers By ED BALDRIDGE 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.  Judges (by: JK - 11/9/2009) I would love to see some "qualifed" judges for this event. Aren't there any music teachers or voice teachers with some experience to judge? Does Sebring even have anyone who is qualified? I don't think the present judges know what they are doing and it just seems like all they judge on is clothing. They make the same comments over and over again. Let's get some REAL experienced people who know what they are doing. Idol (by: Idol watcher - 11/4/2009) Love this event. I agreed with the judges when they called out that one girl on her outfit and her singing. She has a nice voice but it did not fit the song and her outfit didnt either. I dont think people realize how hard it is for these judges. I once judges a contest and I would never do it again. I had to tell people they didnt make it and it was so hard to see the disapointment on their faces. Great job Heartland Idol judges You can close your eyes (by: Ray Napper - 11/3/2009) and just listen to a great voice. Why does something made by God upset you? She's not nude or vulgar and she is dressed for the part she is signing, one of the requirements for a better score so you are correct. She's dressed that way to get more votes on that part of the scoring. And she did quite good it appears. Yes! (by: Brad - 11/3/2009) Julia Newell gets my vote! Sexy! Julia (by: Harry and Mary - 11/1/2009) She looks nice in the outfit that she is wearing and is necessary for the theme of her rendition of "OCaberetO". We have heard her sing and we were impressed. Her voice is what got her to the semi-finals. Good luck Julia. Outfit (by: FS - 11/1/2009) What is this? A contest for showing off your body, or a contest for singing? I'm sure that Julia sings very well to make it to the semi-finals, but why the outfit...to get better votes?  Small Banner Ads |
RSS News Feed 
Follow Us On Twitter 
News-Sun Facebook Fan Page