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| Taylor Reed | Chloe Wheeler |
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — The stage of the Houlton Community Arts Center was transformed Sunday afternoon into a singer’s dream as the United Way of Aroostook hosted the ninth annual “Northern Star” singing competition.
Open to singers age 12 and up, Houlton’s regional event featured a wide array of talent. For many of the performers, appearing on the stage was nothing new as they have been there several times before, either from past competitions or high school plays.
Held earlier than previous year’s shows, Sunday’s performance did not disappoint as 12 contestants took to the stage. Again this year singers were able to choose which venue they wished to participate. Therefore Sunday’s competition featured performers from around Aroostook County.
Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
PARTICIPANTS — Singers who participated in Sunday’s Northern Star competition in Houlton were front, from left, Michael Ouellette, Jamilynn Deschesne, David Dow, Robin McLellan, Amanda Halsey and Chloe Wheeler; and back, Tazay Hill, Taylor Reed, Rev. Mark Fuller, Madison Lilley, Kent McLellan and Justin Quinones.
Chloe Wheeler, 14, of Bridgewater and Taylor Reed, 15, of Houlton were both chosen by audience vote to advance to the regional finale. Two additional singers were selected by the judges to compete in a sing-off. Selected by the judges were David Dow of Houlton and Tazay Hill of Limestone.
At the finale, slated for Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Caribou Performing Arts Center, the audience will vote for the contestant in each pair who they felt was the best and that contestant will then give a solo performance in the final round for the 2015 Northern Star title.
The three local celebrity judges for the Houlton show were Brandon Clark, James Matilla and Eric Gustin. Clark was the 2013 Northern Star champion and will serve as a judge at the regional finale, while Matilla and Gustin will serve as coaches. Wheeler and Dow were paired with Gustin, while Reed and Hill were paired with Matilla.
Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
JUDGES PANEL — The local celebrity judges for Sunday’s singing competition were, from left, Brandon Clark, James Matilla and Eric Gustin.
“We are in the music business because this event makes a lot of money for the United Way of Aroostook,” said Claudia Stevens, co-host and executive director for the United Way of Aroostook.
Jason Parent, co-host for the evening, and Stevens kept the afternoon light and fun as they interjected humor into the show.
Ballads were no longer the predominant song type for contestants in the Houlton show, as many of the singers ventured out into country or rock-driven songs.
Wheeler delivered a beautiful rendition of “Traveling Soldier,” by the Dixie Chicks, while Reed sang “All Too Well,” by Taylor Swift that had the judges commenting that she sounded “exactly like Swift.”
Dow performed a self-composed rap song entitled “Alone,” while Hill delivered a soulful version of “Bless the Broken Road,” by Rascal Flatts.
Also participating in the Houlton competition were:
• Kent McLellan of Mapleton, singing “With Arms Wide Open,” by Creed.
• Michael Ouellette of Westfield performing “Goodbye Lover,” by James Blunt.
• Rev. Mark Fuller, singing “On the Street Where You Live,” from My Fair Lady.
• Robin McLellan of Mapleton performing “Hallelujah,” by Leonard Cohen.
• Justin Quinones of Caribou, singing “Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy,” by Big and Rich.
• Jamilynn Deschesne of Caribou, performing “Suds in the Bucket,” by Sara Evans.
• Madison Lilly of Smyrna, singing “Beautiful Day,” by Jamie Grace.
• Amanda Halsey of Fort Fairfield, performing “Blessings,” by Laura Story.
Singers advancing from Friday’s competition in Fort Kent were Katie Hebert, Stacy Colter, Emily Marin and Adam Ouellette, while those selected from Saturday’s show in Presque Isle were Casey Chapman, Austin LaPlante, Jacob Grant and Nicole Adams.
David Dow
All proceeds from funds raised at the door go directly to the United Way of Aroostook’s annual campaign. Since the United Way of Aroostook launched the original “Aroostook Idol” fundraiser, it has drawn more than 230 competitors to the stage. Northern Star generates between $25,000-$30,000 per year and has raised more than $225,000 to benefit agencies funded by the United Way in Aroostook County.
For more information on the “Northern Star” competition, contact the United Way of Aroostook at 207-764-5197.
