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Heartland Idol Names New Winners

Jingst, Hawthorne Take Titles

Jesse Osbourne/Highlands Today

Heartland Idol emcee David Flowers gauged the reaction of the crowd for Jennifer Moore's performance Thursday evening during the junior portion of Heartland Idol in downtown Sebring.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: September 29, 2007

SEBRING — Kids ruled the Heartland Idol stage on Thursday night.

About 350 fans, the largest audience yet this year, saw two new 2007 Idol champions crowned.

Stacy Jingst, 17, took the teen idol title with a rousing rendition of "God Bless the USA" and 12-year-old Christopher Hawthorne picked up the top Junior Idol spot after singing the Stevie Wonder tune, "Superstition."

Judge Rooter Rush told lead-off teen singer Lindsey Varis, 16, that none of the following four finalists could top her perfect score and said he happily anticipated the upcoming attempts. Judges gushed often about quality of entertainment as 10 finalists performed for the huge crowd.

Five contestants aged from 7-12 in the Junior Idol competition and another five finalists in the teen category had already performed at least twice during a qualifying and semifinal round at the historic Downtown Circle.

If any of the contestants were nervous, they hid it well from the audience. It looked like the finalists were having the times of the lives and audience contact soared. The singers were seemingly comfortable and confident.

It appeared that each succeeding contestant wanted to increase the crowd's adrenaline rush and impact of previous singers.

"You all did a fantastic job," said master of ceremonies David Flowers. "I'm looking at these fine young people, and listening to them I feel better about the future."

Two Martin sisters, Justin, 14 and Indya, 17, hugged several times, but still battled for family bragging rights.

After Justin sang, "I will Always Love You," Rush tipped his hat to the family.

"Big sis better bring it if she's going to beat you tonight," Rush told Justin.

Indya beamed when she told the crowd, "I'm going to bring it."

Likely, for most of the crowd, the highlight of the evening was final teen competitor and winner Jingst.

Many in the audience stood proud with fists raised in the air and hands on their hearts while several times spontaneous applause interrupted Jingst's performance of "God Bless the USA." For her effort she was awarded a standing ovation.

After picking up a $500 savings bond prize, Jingst said she chose the song because it was a likely crowd favorite.

"I showed my faith in God," said Jingst. "For me, God takes all the glory."

The singer is headed for Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa. She said she has no plans to try out for television's American Idol, but will continue singing with her college choral group.

The crowd clapped along with people's choice and 2007 Junior Idol winner Christopher Hawthorne, 12, as he sang, "Do you believe in things you don't understand? Then you suffer superstition."

Hawthorne said he chose the Stevie Wonder song because it fit his voice. Rather than oldies, he prefers Chris Brown music. He thanked voice coach Marni Frantz of Lake Placid for improving his performance.

Teen finalists included: Varis, Erika Myers, the Martin sisters and champion, Jingst.

Junior Idol competitors were Jennifer Moore, winner Hawthorne, Moriah Finney, Kalie Christian and Tiffany Broder.

The next Idol show date will be Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Circle.

Music will be limited to an 80's Theme Night (originally recorded in 80's) and four semi-finalists will be eliminated

Song choices must be called in to Diana Walker at Unwrap The Party at 386-4417 no later than 4 p.m. on Oct. 9. or contestants will be disqualified.

They will perform in this order: Carrie Adkins, Chris Allen, Leslie Bass, Cris Cwalinski, Angie Garay, Jessica Herrera, Shawn Knowles, Shannon Marrero, Andrea Mathis and then Amy McCoy.

Julia Newell will then sing, followed by Kelly Noonon, Amy Raposa, Annie Sederback, Tina Smothers, Jimmy Schell, Todd Allen Toler, Ben Turner, Kimberly Varis and Ron Williams.

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