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Idol Semifinalists Get A Practice Round

Bill Rettew Jr./Highlands Today.

Sara Michaud, Cheryl Ancrum and Amy McCoy, all of Sebring, soak in the applause after singing songs recorded the year they were born, at Heartland Idol, Thursday.

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By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: October 18, 2008

SEBRING - The first of three Heartland Idol semifinal rounds belonged to the audience.

Nearly each of 16 performers, Thursday night on the Circle, had their own partisan fan base composed of family, friends and co-workers.

Show-goers cheered loudest for their own, but each singer received well-deserved applause and adoration befitting their status as semifinalists and the cream of the crop.

Ballads ruled the night. Several judges stressed that at this level of competition, proper song selection was key.

Next week, Motown songs should speed up the tempo.

Singers were asked to perform music recorded during the year they were born.

Emcee Don Elwell, and about 325 in attendance, shook their heads often when younger performers sang songs that were still fresh in the minds of most audience members.

Judge Jim McCollum was resplendent in an embroidered shirt that included both his name, and the name, "Simon" (of American Idol fame.)

Although McCollum received a few errant boos prior to even saying a word, the lawyer and the other four judges needed to give little "constructive criticism" since the performers were already experienced.

In turn, the crowd only responded negatively to a judge's comments a few times.

At one point, the audience cheered loudly after "Simon" McCollum made a favorable comment to a singer. The attorney seemed genuinely shocked.

"I'm not used to hearing applause," said McCollum. "How did I lose control?"

Twenty competitors were selected during four weeks of competition, but due to illness and no-shows, only 16 competitors took to the stage Thursday.

In what Elwell said was a "practice round" all 16 contestants progressed to next week's show and a week closer to the Saturday, Nov. 8 crowning of Heartland Idol 2008. The winner will collect a check for $2,000.

The audience and judges agreed; Sara Michaud, 25, of Sebring, was tops. Since the crowd cheered loudest for her, Michaud was chosen as audience favorite.

As an Idol first, the point totals of contestants were announced. With a possible total of 150 points, Michaud was nearly perfect. She earned 146 points.

In a white wedding dress, Shannon Marrero, 31, of Lorida sang "Mamma Mia," made popular by ABBA. She finished two points shy of Michaud.

Third place went to Amy McCoy, 34, of Sebring. She sang a Dionne Warwick song, "Then Came You."

Jarred Gravley, 18, of Frostproof was the youngest competitor and sang the newest song, "How am I Supposed to Live Without You," as recorded by Michael Bolton.

Prior to Idol competition, Gravley had never sung for more than 100 people at once, and he thrived on the chance to shine.

"When I hear applause, it makes me feel that I did right," said Gravley. "I like to be the center of attention. Who doesn't like to be the center of attention once in a while?"

Semifinalists were: Cheryl Ancrum, Sebring; Leslie Bass, Sebring; Jarred Gravley, Frostproof; Ken Frank Hardy, Sebring; Darian Jessie, Sebring; and Sherri Lewis-Bikar, Sebring.

Other semifinalists (also in alphabetical order): Cheryl Little, Sebring; Shannon Marrero, Lorida; Amy McCoy, Sebring; Amanda Mercer, Lake Placid; Sara Michaud, Sebring; Kerry Mullis, Plant City; Julia Newell, Sebring; Andrew Nicholas, Sebring; Michelle Rogers, Sebring; and Donnie Shaffer, Sebring.

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

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