Rural Idol Contestants Selected

by
Minda Painter

The sixth year of the Rural American Idol Program, sponsored by People Organizing Ideal Neighborhoods Today, Inc., (POINT) was launched last Saturday night with a magnificent Audition Show. A total of 15 aspiring artists auditioned to qualify for participation in the yearlong Rural American Idol Competition. An energized crowd filled the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre with great anticipation of a spectacular show.

A sampling of the quality of wining performers in past Idol competitions was presented during the show. The blossoming, Mandolin Wiessner of Garland, now 13, proved to the crowd she deserved her crown as the 2005 Rural American Idol. Touting a new repertoire of R&B music, including “If I Ain’t Got You” by Trisha Underwood, “Stand Up For Love”’ by Destiny’s Child, and “Don’t Forget To Remember Me” by Carrie Underwood, she dazzled the crowd. Topping her performance was the song that won her the 2005 title, the classical “Unchained Melody”.

Mandolin amazed everyone with her vocal style and vocal range. Her leap to maturity in poise and finesse, impressed the many who have known her since she first started performing at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre in 2003.

As 1 st Place Winner in Division 3 in 2006, Brenda Akins Martin, from Tawakoni, did a marvelous job showing off her vocal talent and taking on the job as the emcee. She opened the show with the yodeling song “Cowboy Sweetheart” and followed by the old favorite, “At Last”, deserving the thunderous applause she received. Her enlivening rendition of the Cajun song “Down at the Twist and Shout” thrilled the crowd and was lifted up by her final song “How Great Thou Art”.

A very exhilarated crowd and a set of judges auditioned the fifteen amateur talents. Total of 65 points earned by a participant qualifies them for the competition. The fifteen participants were Brigitte Raymond of Shelbyville, Kassidy Traweek of Greenville, Ron Duke of Lake Fork, Bryton Bonacquisti of Rockwall, Laurie Richardson of Camden, Cole Risner of Mt. Pleasant, Myra Rolen of Clarksville, Hunter Collins of Gilmer, Paula Chamberlain of Caddo Mills, Cole Scoggins of Mt. Vernon, Jake Hobden of Quinlan, Laryssa Bonacquisti of Rockwall, Shane Mathews of San Augustine, Elise Paden of Gilmer, and Ray Laurent, Jr. of Panola.

Two ventriloquism acts coupled with their songs, added to a charming performance by the two Bonacquisti youngsters, ages 8 and 12. They seemed to thrill everyone at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre,.

Toward the end of the evening, while the results were being tallied, a “ Comedy Improv” developed. In order to give the judges more time, the emcee invited some of the participants to tell their best joke and several got up on stage. The congenial evening was filled, not only with fine performances, but also with lots of laughter.

For the final results, the tally showed all the participants scored 65% or more. Most of these newly qualified contestants will be scheduled for the competition on March 22, and a few more on other competition dates. The caliber of contestants scheduled in March makes certain an exciting competition will be forthcoming.

Auditions will continue in April and May. Anyone interested to qualify for the competition may email point_inc@msn.com or call Minda Painter at 903-598-3809 or Gaye Hooten at 903-598-3293.

The upcoming performance next Saturday of award winning guitarist, Chuck Jennings, will be another special Shindig Show at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre, following the recent appearance of Stephen Pride. Show starts at 7:30 pm.

Auditioning for the Rural American Idol (l – r) front row: Laryssa Bonacquiti, Bryton Bonacquiti, Hunter Collins; second row: Laurie Richardson, Jake Hobden, Paula Chamberlain, Brigitte Raymond, Kassidy Traweek, Myra Rolen, Elise Peden, Cole Scoggins, Ron Duke, Cole Risner, Ray Laurent, Jr., and Shane Mathews