IDOL SHOW FEATURES NEW CONTESTANTS FOR THE FINALS
By
Minda Painter
Saturday night, a week ago, was the last semifinal competition for the title of 2009 Rural American Idol. It was held at the Cotton Pickin' Theatre in Point, Texas and solidified the lineup of contestants for the finals to be held on November 21, 2009.
In Division 1, the showdown was between 9-year-old, McKenzie Anderson of Allen and 11-year old Breyonia Ford of Greenville. The two youngsters impressed the crowd with their shinning performances. Pixie-like, McKenzie, gave a vibrant rendition of Reba McEntire’s “Why haven’t I Heard From You”. A strong challenge was issued by Breyonia with her interpretation of “Our Song” by Taylor Swift.
A marvelous showing by the three contenders in Division 2, raised the intensity level of the competition for this last set of semi-finals. Melissa Dunham, from Mesquite, elegantly dressed in her long gown, showcased exquisite vocals with “I Told You So” by Carrie Underwood.
“Life’s a Song” was a perfect song selection for a 14 year old lad like Loris Galloway III, from New Ulm. He was the Division I, First Place winner in 2007. Now at age 14, he is moving up to the next division. Looking very debonair, Loris charmed everyone with his vocal flair and style.
The intensity of the competition heightened even more when Crissy Harold, from McKinney, presented her stimulating version of a Patty Loveless’ selection titled “Blame it on your lying cheating heart”. Her performance made the judging even more difficult.
The combined audience votes, accounting for 30% of the total points, plus the tally of points from judges, accounting for 70% of the total points, were tallied by volunteer members of the P.O.I.N.T. organization.
In this last set of semifinal competition, the top 2 contenders in Division II won a place in the finals. Results showed Crissy Harold gaining the top spot followed by Melissa Dunham. Loris Galloway III got a spot in the finals as the wild card entry based on his high score that was only one point behind Melissa's. Both girls in Division I advanced to the Finals.
L – R: Loris Galloway III, Melissa Dunham. Crissy Harold, McKenzie Anderson, and Breyonia Ford
The second half of the show was filled with fun performances by all the participants. A wide variety of music such as country classics, new country, rock, Cajun and gospel entertained the crowd until closing. The band offered much of the relief from the competition. Gary Cason highlighted the show with some very un-country numbers that pleased the audience. When he teamed with Danny Caulk, nothing but pure rock ‘n roll came off the stage.
The new guy in town, Curtis Wayne was particularly entertaining with his variety of instruments. His harmonica blended well with the bands new sounds. When asked to sing, Wayne accompanied himself with guitar and banjo. An occasional slide on the steel guitar made the band’s total sound balanced and well rounded.
The 2009-Rural American Finals will feature the new talent, reaching for a star, and we will have the luxury of the new sounds of the award winning, Saturday Nite Shindig Band.
Showtime for the big final showdown on November 21st to be held at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are now available in Emory at the Rains County Chamber Office, and in Point at the Golden Glow Emporium, Joe’s Music Store, Cotton Pickin’ Theatre, and at the Point City Hall. Seats are limited. Ticket price of $15 is discounted to $12 for advance purchase.
A “Blues Night” at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre on Friday, November, 6 will be a special treat for blues music lover. Featuring guitar virtuoso blues singer Lance Lopez and local talent Colton O’Neal. Gate ticket is $10 and show time is 8:00 p.m.
Regular Shindig Show on Saturday, November 7 for country music aficionados will feature guest performers Megan Martin, Devon Jade and Laramie Lomanto. Regular show time is 7:30 p.m.