2010 Rural Idol Competition Underway

By
Minda Painter

A lively crowd was on hand for the beginning of the 8th year of the Rural American Music Revue last Saturday night at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre in Point, Texas. The added attraction of the Rural American Idol Contest made it an exceptional entertainment value. Even though some performers who had been scheduled to audition had to cancel, there was plenty to keep the audience entertained.

The special, featured performers for the evening were 2009 Rural American Idol Colton Dewberry, (R) from Corrigan, Texas, and 2009 Division III 1st place winner, James Smith, from Fruitvale. Colton Dewberry, captivated the audience with his deep, country styled vocals. Screaming young gals signaled their approval for this handsome young lad.

James Smith, (L) who has a knack for chatting with the audience, provided an upbeat tempo with his song selections. He is a flawless entertainer and never fails to enliven the show with his sparkling performance.

The audition segment for the Rural American Idol program of the P.O.I.N.T. organization got underway with three participants. All were qualified later, to take part in the contest.

The first participant was Morgan Woodward from Greenville. This 11-year-old lass gave a magnificent performance of “Broken Wing” and “All My Heart Will Go On”. With the maturity and strength in her voice, she showed high level of confidence in her performance.

Last year’s 3rd place Division II winner, Crissy Harold, came back again this year to qualify for the competition. She enthralled the audience with her impressive show of “I Told You So” and a pixie performance of, “You Ain’t Woman Enough To Take My Man”.

The continuing search for young talent was responded to by a novice talent from Emory, Katia Rojo. Bashful on her entry to center stage, she quickly brightened up as she sang “I Just Called to Say I Love You”. For her second song she chose, "We Are The World" to express her concerns for the people in Haiti following the devastating earthquake last month. The audience cheered in approval. Katia is another upcoming young talent, reminiscent of Billie Joe Ferguson who had her first performance on stage at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre in 2003. A local artist, Billie Joe has, since then,, magnificently blossomed in her singing talent. (L-R: Katia Rojo, Morgan Woodward, Crissy Harold)

A very lively and supportive crowd inspired these vocal artists. Toward the end of the show, the three Rural Idols Colon Dewberry, James Smith, and Crissy Harold were called on stage for an encore performance of their showing at the Texas Farmers Union Convention In Abilene, Texas last month.

The search for talents continues on this 8th year of the Rural American Program sponsored by the non-profit organization “People Organizing Ideal Neighborhoods Today, Inc”. Anyone interested in scheduling an audition or needing more information may call 903-598-3809 or visit www.ruralamericans.org.