Staff Writer
HOULTON — Strong vocal performances last Friday in the Houlton High School auditorium propelled three formidable contenders to coveted finalist positions for Aroostook Idol. The deciding competition, March 1 at the Caribou Performing Arts Center, will place Houlton’s own Caleb Richardson, Weston’s Dawson Graham and Island Falls’ Renae Russell in direct competition, not only with each other but also with finalists from the central and northern Aroostook area.
Staff photo/Elna Seabrooks
Former Aroostook Idols, Renee Cavagnaro (2005), left, Samantha Boutot (2006) and Annie Charles (2007) enjoyed several lighthearted moments during the Houlton competition last Friday at the high school.
Thirteen contestants from 12 years to 56 vied for the cherished golden tickets, similar to TV’s American Idol tickets to Hollywood. Claudia Stevens and Jason Parent, co-chairs for Aroostook Idol, acted as emcees for the evening. Stevens said somewhere between 400 and 500 people filled the auditorium Friday to vote for their favorite and most talented performers. Proceeds from ticket sales for the combined competitions in addition to corporate support raise about $30,000 for United Way of Aroostook.
Dawson Graham had several ladies swooning when he belted out a very strong version of Garth Brooks’ country hit “The Change.” Thirteen was a lucky number for the last contestant, Renae Russell, who brought full force to a Martina McBride’s country ballad “God’s Will.”
The evening had several high points and memorable moments from the bravery of some less experienced contestants to the talented styling of others. The comic and stirring performance of Dena Stetson Mullen, who came in from Blaine, nearly brought the house down with her composition, “Armor of God,” and post-performance ad lib banter with Jason Parent.
Parent later urged Richardson’s schoolmates to come on stage after his performance of “Praise You In This Storm.” In another high-spirited ad lib moment, several cast members complied because Parent wanted a reprise of a few bars from the school’s production of “Footloose” which he had missed.
Among the more touching moments were brave performances by younger contestants who had not sung in public and those who were exploring their own possibilities.
Idol judges, all former winners but without voting power, encouraged contestants and offered pointers on how to enhance their stage presence. Annie Charles, the 2007 winner, had many humorous moments as she made her comments. Along with her was Renee Cavagnaro (2005) and Samantha Boutot (2006) all of whom had helpful hints from wardrobe to presentation.
The current Aroostook Idol, Erin Buck, proved she earned the title when she belted out two strong performances during the tabulation of audience votes. Buck sang Martina McBride’s “Anyway” and followed it up with “I Know Where I’ve Been” from the hit Broadway musical and Hollywood movie “Hairspray.” In all, it was a special evening.
Aroostook Idol continues Feb. 6 in Fort Kent at the Fox Auditorium followed by Feb.13 in the Presque Isle Middle School. From there the nine finalists go to the Caribou Performing Arts Center, March 1 where the Aroostook Idol is chosen, again, by audience votes.
