TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Heartland Idol Teen, Youth Winners Announced

ADVERTISEMENT

By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: October 4, 2008

SEBRING - It was a perfect evening for dreaming.

Thursday, in the downtown Circle, Heartland Idol judges crowned two new champions.

Contestants likely dreamed of using the local platform as a jumping off point to someday perform for a bigger (and admission paying) crowd. And with a little coaxing from emcee Don Elwell, most younger singers also revealed what they would buy with the $500 first prize money - if they won.

Junior Idol finalist Nala Price was up first and dreamed while singing from the Camp Rock Soundtrack: "This is real, this is me, I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be now, Gonna let the light, shine on me. Now I've found who I am, there's no way to hold it in. No more hiding who I wanna be, this is me."

Junior Idol winner Jerrianne Carlton, 10, of Sebring, told the lively audience of about 300 that she would first give 10 percent of any winnings to the church, and with the rest, purchase a golf cart.

In a long white dress, she hit all the high notes when she sang that her Redeemer lives and in turn captivated judges.

Crowd favorite, 4-year-old Annabella Marrero, from Lorida, failed to win the $500 gift card for first place. Dressed in a white hat, boots, rain coat, and with a white umbrella, judge Melanie Boulay said the preschooler made her melt.
Marrero is still eligible to compete in the Junior Idol Competition for seven more years. She will then have another five years before she becomes eligible for the adult Idol competition.

Mary Hazel Teope, 13, plans to become a nurse and will put her $500 in winnings away for school.

Judge Rooter Rush was impressed by Teope's showmanship and strong voice.

"You can never believe that much dynamite comes in such a small package," said Rush.

The event continues to gain followers, while most in the crowd are repeat visitors.

Hands from about 90 percent of the audience shot up when Elwell asked who had attended other Idol shows.

Two of those who regularly attend Idol shows, were mother and son, Nancy and Brian Reyburn, from Avon Park.

Brian was a regular at the concession stand and Mom left a little early to catch the vice presidential debate on the tube.

Brian Reyburn enjoys attending the family events.

"It's great for the family," said Brian Reyburn, "And it brings everybody together.

Nancy Reyburn enjoys visiting the "old town." She is happy that the Sebring historic district attracts big crowds.

Both mother and son enjoyed seeing the competition progress and picked their favorites.

Just prior to the announcement of the Teen winners, Nancy Reyburn correctly listed the order of finish and fully agreed with judges.

"Shows that it's a fair competition," said Nancy Reyburn, although others in the crowd might have preferred others contestants.

Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT