THREE QUALIFY FOR IDOL COMPETITION
By
Minda Painter
The thrill of an audition comes from the measure of talent performing on stage. It gives you a sense of the quality of vocalists to rival at competition time. Last Saturday night at the Cotton Pickin' Theatre in Point, Texas, three contenders who have participated in the Rural American Idol Competition in the past returned to the stage.
Janet Lynn Adams of Winnsboro first won the hearts of an audience during her competition performance back in 2004 with her impressive rendition of Patsy Cline selections, and the lure of the stage could not be denied, even when she was stationed in Alaska for a time. Now back in Texas, the call to audition for the Rural American Idol Competition presented an enticement for her to actively pursue her interest in singing. The performance of her first audition song, “She’s Got You” by Patsy Cline, received a roaring applause. She proceeded with a Loretta Lynn country music song titled “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like my Daddy Anymore”.
The next to audition was Laramie Lomanto from Alba. She was a division finalist last year and has gained in experience, taking the stage with an air of newborn confidence. Bringing newer country music to the theatre, she sang “Baby Girl” and “Stay”. Both songs were popularized by the group, Sugarland. Stylishly attired in western garb and a handsome pair of boots, she ably strummed along on her guitar.
Another participant in the 2004-Rural American Idol Competition to come back for the 2010 audition was Aubrey Burnley from Tyler. Now a young lady attending college, her development has included a maturity and power in her vocal abilities. Her stylish rendition of “Like we Never Loved at All” by Faith Hill and her delivery of the Roy Orbison classic “Blue Bayou” received ovations from the audience.
Based on the level of performance by the three audition participants, the verdict from the audience and the judges gave all of them the nod to advance in the competition on October 23. This group will be joined by the next set of qualifiers in the last audition, scheduled on September 25th.
Michael Michelle rounded out the scheduled talent for the evening. His powerful rendition of some gospel favorites proved to be just the ticket for a successful show. Several band members that were present in the audience joined on stage for a finale with Michael in a closing number of, “How Great Thou Art”. It was a fitting tribute to a wonderful evening.
(L-R) Janet Lynn Adams, Aubrey Burnley, Michael Meshell, Laramie Lomanto, and P.O.I.N.T. President Minda Painter
For more information about the Rural American Idol program, visit www.ruralamericans.org or call Minda Painter (903-268-5779) or Gaye Hooten (903-598-3293).
The Shindig Show next Saturday has a lineup of scheduled guest vocalists to satisfy the many Country music enthusiasts. The list includes Luke Wilemon, Michael Preston, and Jack Smith. Lights will dim at 7:30 p.m. to signal show time.
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