Local News

Sinness takes home Junior Heartland Idol title

Photos

CHRISTY SWIFT
Published: March 2, 2013

SEBRING - Eleven-year-old Caitlin Sinness didn't qualify for the Junior Heartland Idol semi-finals the first time she tried out. But she came back a second time, made the semifinals, and took it all home on Thursday.

Singing "Mean" by Taylor Swift, Sinness climbed the stage in a "nerd" outfit complete with taped glasses and a cardboard ice cream sign over her clothing. Halfway through the song, she tore off the glasses and sign, belting out "someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me and all you're ever gonna be is mean."

"You brought your A game tonight," pronounced judge Jimmy Johnson.

"It feels awesome," said Caitlin, who plans to help the homeless with the $500 she won as first prize. Her mother, Candy Sinness-Farmer, said she was "still in shock" and reported that her daughter practiced two hours every day for the competition.

Second place and $250 was taken home by 7-year-old Ashdon Dane Dennison, who sang Justin Bieber's "Beauty and the Beat." Twelve-year-old Moriah Finney placed third and won $125 with her rendition of "Already Gone" by Kelly Clarkson.

Also performing that night were finalists Bella Marrero and Kalie Christian.

Following the juniors, an adult qualifier round was held. Nine men and women competed, singing everything from jazz to oldies to opera.

The five semi-finalists included first time Idol performer and Highlands Little Theatre regular 21-year-old Adam Meredith, who sang Michael Buble's version of "Fever." SFSC adjunct professor 30-year-old Michelle MacBeth earned a spot with Cole Porter's "Night and Day."

The rest of the semi-finalists all placed in former Heartland Idol competitions. 2010 Idol second runner up 27-year-old Ashley Elder won a slot singing a bluesy "I Won't Let Go" by Rascal Flatts.

2008 teen winner and 2005 junior winner Mary Hazel Teope, now 18, took a spot by hitting the right notes in Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You."

2010 first runner-up, 26-year-old Lindsey Sears, also placed with Marvin Gaye's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

Next Thursday night will be the Teen finale and second and final adult qualifier. All events are held at 6 p.m. at the Highlands County YMCA basketball courts. The cost to perform is $10 for a first attempt and $5 to try again.