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Second annual singing contest a hit

By MICHAEL J. THOMPSON
mthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

Twelve-year-old Chelsea Medrano and 14-year-old Rachel Stanford bested 61 other contestants to win their respective categories in the second annual Fayette Idol competition at the Villages Amphitheater last Friday evening.

A crowd of more than 2,000 people gathered to hear vocalists in two age categories, 5-12 and 13-adult, sing a portion of their selected song for one minute.

Then, the five judges, led by American Idol first-season finalist R.J. Helton, selected 10 singers, five from each category, to perform their entire song.

Medrano performed “This Is The Air That I Breathe,” and Stanford sang “Miss Independent” to propel each of them to victory.

The crowd was also treated to Helton singing two songs from his album.

Josh Hershel, a Peachtree City resident and Georgia Tech student, said he was very impressed with the singers and was glad his girlfriend wanted to go to the event.

“She came to see R.J., but I didn’t even know who he was, and I was just glad the singers were so good and entertaining,” he said.

The other finalists in the kids’ division were Paige McCauley, Courtney Stone, Cheyna Williams and Breanna Sommers.

Rounding out the adult finalists were Chelsea Thompson, Jasmine Farmer, James McCue and Callie Routon.

Those in attendance were able to vote for their favorite singer by text messaging in their vote via a Verizon Wireless.

McCue, the only male finalist, received the most votes through the text messaging service.