GLITZY NIGHT AT RURAL AMERICAN FINALS
by
Minda Painter

It wasn’t exactly black tie and tails at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre in Point, Texas last Saturday night; however, there were plenty of gowns and heels to lend an air of sophistication to the final episode of this year’s search for the Rural American Idol-2007. This program, which is on its 5th year, is presented by “People Organizing Ideal Neighborhoods Today, Inc.” (POINT), a 501 C3 art organization, which focuses on Rural American arts, culture, and historical heritage.

Jim Painter opened the show with an explanation of the rules for the contest, a bit of humorous patter and the introduction of Rural American Idol-2006, Miss Brittnee Lee. Lee immediately took command of the stage and opened with her first song, “Your Cheating Heart”. Her next duty as emcee was to introduce the 2004 Idol winner, Kristie Lynne Patterson, from Leonard. The teenaged Patterson was elegantly dressed in a stylish gown and heels that belied her tender years of just 13. Once again, she showed the audience why she was voted 2004 champ with a delightful rendition of Faith Hill’s “Piece of My Heart”.

The competition started with the five finalists in Division 2. Opening the competition was Tori Ellis with her song “You Ain’t Woman Enough to Take My Man” and then presented an outstanding rendition of “Unchained Melody”. She was followed by Olivia Watson, who did a magnificent performance of “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Crazy”. An exquisite rendition of “When I Think About Angels” and “Broken Wing” by Sydney Shelton drew great response from the audience, especially as she hit the high notes.

Jarett McAlister showed his proficiency on guitar, and his bass vocals gained appreciation from the crowd as he sang “When Angels Cry” and “Act Naturally”. Lindsey McPherson’s great competitive nature brought out the best in her as she sang “Blame It On Your Lying, Cheating Hart” and “Hurt Me”. Tori Ellis narrowly won the division. Powerful competition came from Jarett McAlister who won second place and Lindsey McPherson who finished third. Tori Ellis would be the first finalist chosen that night.

The youngsters were next. There were only two qualifiers in this Division I; both were extremely well rehearsed and very attractive on stage. Twelve-year-old Kimberly Kinsey lit up the stage with her girlish charm and bright rendition of two old favorites, “Rocky Top” and “Blue Moon Over Kentucky”. Her progress over the year was much in evidence and the audience poured out their appreciation. However, it was a more polished performance by Lacy Johns that garnered the most votes. Johns’, just turning thirteen, offered a sassy look on stage, teasing the audience with her song, “That’s What I Like About You”. The crowd was extremely pleased with her rendition of the old Bob Seger classic, “Old Time Rock ‘n Roll”. Lacy Johns was the second finalist chosen.

After a brief intermission, it was time for the big guns to unload. And unload they did. The adult Division III was loaded with four powerful songsters, all with different techniques and song styles.

Wesley Johnstone’s outstanding performance was very much the “Broadway Musical” style, which isn’t surprising, in as much as his early training was on the Six Flag’s evening performance stage. Leta Martinez delighted the audience with an old Freddy Fender number, “Before The Last Teardrop Falls” and Linda Ronstadt’s “When Will I Be Loved”. Her performance was powerful and polished. Larry Massy entertained with some old bar room juke box numbers that were from traditional country music, “Wild Side Of Life”, and “There She Goes”. The audience thought they had heard it all, until Russell Lindsey took the stage. This amicable, good-ole-boy, with a certain rustic appeal, captivated the audience with some humorous patter and a delightful selection of songs, “Mind Your Own Business” and “Love Me”. Lindsey’s charm captured the votes of the audience and the judges as he easily won the last spot on the finalist list for this evening. Lent Martinez scored a close second and Larry Massey was third. .

Point City Mayor, Chase Tyndell, and Rains Tourism Board Member Marianne Ivy presented trophies to each contestant. Trophies and cash prizes to the top division winners were presented by Betty Cason And Benny Hanks, for Division I, POINT. Secretary Gaye Hooten and Jimmie Painter, for Division 2, POINT. Vice President Kenneth Cason and Patsy Leshe.

Emcee, Brittnee Lee had successfully guided the contest to its final conclusion and all three division winners took the stage for the $1000 prize and the title of Rural American Idol-2007. As a hush fell over the audience, a long drum roll announces the defining moment. Minda Painter took the sealed envelope and announced, “The Rural American Idol winner is. . . .Lacy Johns”.

The big final showdown of the 2007 Rural American Idol Competition, presented by the “People Organizing Ideal Neighborhood Today, Inc.” ended with a great splash with top performances from each finalist. The event was principally sponsored by Bent Tree Motel and was also subsidized by Rains County Tourism Funds. This yearlong competition, which is now on its 5th year, will continue next year, starting on the 4th Saturday in January. For more information and entry form, call Minda Painter at 903-598-3809 or email point_inc@msn.com.

Finalists battled for the $1000 grand prize and the title of 2007 Rural American Idol. Pictured left to right, front row: Kimberly Kinsey, Wesley Johnstone, Kristie Lynne Patterson (2004 Rural American Idol); second row: Lacey Nicole Johns (Division 1 1st place winner and 2007 Rural American Idol), Lindsey McPherson, Sydney Shelton, Tori Ellis (Division 2 1st place winner), Leta Martinez, and Brittnee Lee (2006 Rural American Idol); 3rd row: Point City Mayor Chase Tyndell, Rains County Tourism Board Member Marianne Ivy, Olivia Watson, Jarett McAlister, Larry Massey, and Russell Lindsey (Division 3 1st Place winner)

Overall winner Lacey Nicole Johns wins 1st place in Division 1 and tightly captured the win to claim the title Rural American Idol 2007. Pictured on her right is Jean Anne Hockaday, representing the main event sponsor, Bent Tree Motel in Emory, and on her left, Minda Painter, President of People Organizing Ideal Neighborhoods Today, Inc. (POINT)