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Sebring teen wins Heartland Idol Teen competition

Christy Swift, Highlands Today

Christopher Hawthorne, 14, took first place in the teen Heartland Idol contest in Sebring Thursday.

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By CHRISTY SWIFT

For Highlands Today

Published: October 4, 2009

SEBRING - Christopher Hawthorne, 14, brought down the house Thursday night with his winning rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come."

Dressed in a black beret, dress shirt and slacks, Hawthorne sang directly to the audience, kneeling down at one point and eliciting bursts of applause from the audience.

"You would have made Sam proud," said guest judge Greg Harris, new Sebring Chamber of Commerce president.

"The music started and you lit up," added judge Jim McCollum.

As Junior Idol Champion, Hawthorne won $600 and assorted prizes. The Sebring student said he plans to save the money to buy a car next year.

Second-place winner Lauren Scaffe sang "Anyway" by Martina McBride. "You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang. Sing it anyway," she belted out to bursts of applause.

McCollum was prophetic when he said, "Young lady, you're gonna be tough to beat tonight. You were excellent."

Hawthorne beat Scaffe by only one point.

Third place was taken by Zolfo Springs resident Ryan Blair singing Rufus Wainwright's "Hallelujah." Kaeli Spurlock, 13, of Lake Placid took fourth with "Baby Girl" by Sugarland. Fifth place went to 16-year-old Frachesca Michie who sang "Hero" by Mariah Carey.

All of the finalists took home prize money. Second place paid $300, third place paid $150, fourth paid $100 and fifth paid out $50. All the teens also won a ticket to the Halloween Terror Trail in Sebring.

The second adult qualifier round was also held Thursday night. Highlights included 86-year-old William Goglin, the oldest Heartland Idol contestant ever, according to organizer Diana Walker. Goglin sang "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You," endearing the judges with his crooning voice and red Hawaiian shirt.

The elderly gentleman also won the People's Choice award with some audience prompting from emcee Don Elwell.

The six semi-finalists chosen from the 12 participating contestants were Jarred Gravley of Frostproof, Timonthy Anderson of Avon Park, and Sebring residents Michelle Rogers, Jennifer Buchanan, Melanie Roskelly and Julia Newell.

Anderson's infectious smile and voice won over the judges and the audience as he sang "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King.

"You were singing that to me weren't you?" asked judge Vickie Jones, complimenting his stage presence. "I'd love to see you sing some Luther."

Another memorable performance came from Julia Newell, who sang Janis Joplin with a rainbow tie-dye shirt, John Lennon glasses, and a purple feather boa in her hair. She kicked off by stomping her foot to the beat, getting the audience to clap along to her rendition of "Mercedes Benz."

"You brought the whole package," said judge Mike Henry.

Two more adult qualifier rounds will be held on Oct. 8 and Oct. 15. First-time entry fee is $10; a second attempt is half price. Half of the contestants from each qualifier will be chosen to move on to the semi-finals.

Scoring is based on voice (15 points), stage presence (10 points), and costume/wardrobe (5) points for a total of 30 point per judge.

For a calendar of events or more information, visit www.heartlandidol.com.

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