Junior, Teen Idol

SEBRING - An audience of more than 300 Heartland Idol fans on Thursday enjoyed performances by "Elvis," a woman in a silk wedding dress with full veil, a teenager likely accustomed to jeans wearing a polka-dotted dress and a 7-year-old girl with purple ribbons in her hair.

But while the wardrobe choices were dazzling and appreciated, it was the music that won the crowd's loudest applause.

Twenty-eight performers sang for an enthusiastic audience, with spectators seated around the entire Historic Downtown Circle. Five contestants from both the Idol Junior and Teen Idol categories won the right to perform in next week's finals, while adults took part in the third of four qualifying rounds.

Most of the spectators stayed through a brief rain shower, but it didn't dampen their enthusiasm. The American flag was occasionally audible whipping against the high flag pole in the center of the Circle, as brisk winds blew on a pleasant September evening.

The Teen and Junior Idol contestants stepped up their performance quality several notches. Fewer contestants admitted to being nervous than previous weeks, when asked by Master of Ceremonies Don Elwell. The level of poised performances confirmed it.

Two 7-year-olds, Kalie Christian of Sebring and Mariah Finney of Avon Park, progressed to the Junior Idol finals after wowing the audience.

A sign in the park read, "Kalie Rocks," and like many of the performers - including adult Girl Scout leader Julia Newell who brought along her scout troop to root - she had a large cheering contingent of family and friends.

Junior Idol contestant Christopher Hawthorne was the People's Choice award winner and was named a finalist. He sang a version of "Rockin' Robin" that gained heat and intensity as the song progressed.

Faith Carnes, 11, and Jennifer Moore, 9, both of Sebring, moved on to the finals after giving bold and gutsy a capella shows.

Three teen finalists were, Stacy Jingst (People's Choice winner), Erika Meyers and Lindsey Varis.

At 5 foot, 11 inches, Stacy Jingst stood tall and wowed the crowd with "Reflections."

"Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me?... when will my reflection show who I am inside?," she sang.

Family unity ruled and the Martin sisters, Justus and Indya, both progressed to the finals, which thrilled a large cheering section. Judge Rooter Rush said how it was nice to see the pair of sisters attired in pretty dresses.

The adult Idol competition included Andrew Nicholas who caught the attention of the judges, audience and Elwell when he stepped onto the stage in a white sequined Elvis jumpsuit and sideburns. Nicholas sang a slow ballad, "Can't Help Falling In Love" under the spotlights.

All five qualifiers for Idol were from Sebring. They are competing for a $2,000 cash prize.

Amy Raposa, Angie Garay and Kelly Noonan, who sang "House of the Rising Sun," all progressed. Ron Williams, 47, had the crowd clapping through his entire performance and qualified to move on.

Ben Turner sang, "You're Nobody Until Somebody Loves You" and moved on to the next round.

The Thursday, Sept. 27, Idol competition will feature the teen and junior Idol finals. First prize in both categories is worth $500.

Adults will qualify for the last time during this year's competition and then the adult field will be whittled down in four more rounds. The show starts Thursday at 6 p.m. and song selections by competitors need to presented to organizers by Tuesday at 4 p.m.