Applause and accolades continue for another successful year of Shuswap Idol.
Idol and entertainment organizers Lori and Gil Risling returned from their new home in Saskatchewan to carry on the ninth season of the popular competition that gives would-be stars the opportunity to perform onstage to a live audience.
“It was excellent and smooth,” said Lori Monday. “We had 24 contestants evenly split between 18 and under and 19 and over.”
With more contestants entering the adult category this year, Risling was happy to note that four of the six winners had never entered Shuswap Idol before.
In the 18-and-under category, 14-year-old Shaugnessy Rose rocked the audience with her rendition of House of the Rising Sun and Hallelujah – and took home the win and $400.
Arusha Bruns won second place and a cheque for $150 and Jenna Zinger and Molly Crandlemire tied for third place, and each received $125.
Jesse Johnson won hearts and first place in the 19-and-over category with her Miranda Lambert covers.
Last year, Elizabeth Joy performed Sarah McLachlan’s Angel in a dedication to Shane Gorner, who was killed in an industrial accident just prior to the 2013 fair.
“He was going to enter Shuswap Idol and she asked if she could come and sing a song dedicated to Shane,” says Risling, noting Joy took second place and $150. “She entered this year as a contestant and sang Celine Dion’s I’m Alive. She did great job.”
Joy, who told her story of singing in memory of Gorner on Friday night, also won the People’s Choice Award.
Melissa Wood won third place and judges David Byers (a judge for nine years), Norm Sargent, Laura Benson and Nathan Fadear awarded Jan Parada an honourable mention.
“The judges did this because she owned the stage, engaged the audience,” says Lori. “She looked great and dressed appropriately.”
Megan Lauridsen was the only one to audition for the Singer/Songwriter competition this year, so sponsor Yves Cusson willingly agreed to a new category in Spotlight on Shuswap Idol.
“She’s 16 and already writing her own music,” says Lori. “She did original songs and was excellent.”
It’s good news for the fair in that the Rislings have committed to bring Shuswap Idol back to the fair next year. And so too, will Adam Fitzpatrick, who draws a huge crowd with his Elvis tribute performances.
The couple will be back in Salmon Arm for a Nov. 20 performance of the popular Louisiana Hayride.
