Aroostook Republican photo/Christopher BouchardCARIBOU — The Performing Arts Center nearly reached full capacity Sunday as spectators watched finalists compete for the honor of being named 2016 Northern Star.
Judges Samantha Boutot, Gary Bowden and Addie Carter were impressed with nearly every performance, making the task of choosing a winner a significant challenge. Audience members also had the opportunity to cast their votes via tickets included with their programs.
Twelve contestants performed, but only three made it to the final round: Stacie Coltart of Madawaska, Mayce Kinney of Presque Isle, and Allyson Plummer of Washburn. Each performed a second song for the judges and audience to review. In the end, the judges and audience chose Stacie Coltart of Madawaska as the 2016 Northern Star. Coltart closed the show by performing her first song, “Hurt So Bad” by Susan Tedeschi.
Other finalists include Michaela Dube’ of Chapman, who sang “I Who Have Nothing” by Jordin Sparks. Rick Gustin of Caribou performed “Rosanna” by Toto. Austin LaPlante of Caribou gave an animated performance of Ray Stevens’ “Mississippi Squirrel Revival”. Presque Isle’s Jordan Buckley sang “Last Night” by Carrie Underwood. Indya Ouellette of Madawaska sang Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down,” and Kim Mann of Patten performed “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter.
David Dow of Houlton performed a song entitled “Regardless”, that he wrote and arranged himself. Jennifer Raymond of Eagle Lake sang Martina McBride’s “When God Fearing Women Get the Blues,” and Jacob Graham of Mapleton brought a guitar on stage and sang Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel”.
2015 Northern Star Emily Marin returned for a performance while the votes were counted. Afterward, hosts Jason Parent and Claudia Stevens asked Marin if she had any advice for the 2016 winner.
“Always do your best and follow your dreams,” said Marin. “Don’t take any negativity from others to heart. Just stay positive and work for what you want.”
United Way Executive Director Sherry Locke and Campaign Chair Luke Rossignol took a few moments to explain the importance of their organization and how it can help people in Aroostook County.
“I’m very excited to announce that Mr. Rossignol has agreed to match any donation that comes in between now and next Friday up to $1,000,” said Locke. “If you’d like to make a donation, feel free to call my office.”
“I want to thank everyone for coming out here tonight,” said Rossignol. “To me, what’s amazing about this competition is how real the performers our, and what’s so amazing about the United Way is how real the help we provide for Aroostook County. We’re all blessed to be here today, but please keep in mind that there are people who aren’t as blessed as we are today. They might not have a car. Maybe their boyfriend beat them up last night and they can’t get out of the house.
“These are the things that we deal with on a daily basis at the United Way. That is what’s compelling about the organization to me. It isn’t some big government entity that you’re sending your money to. The money you send stays here, and helps people in this area,” he said.
Those interested in making a donation are urged to call United Way of Aroostook at (207) 764-5197.
