Sandi Bouchard and Jason Parent were once again on hand to host the Aroostook Idol competition, sponsored by the United Way of Aroostook, held Sunday at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
What a finale it was, introducing the county to Ms. Annie Charles, 46, of Limestone, employed by DFAS, who recently moved to this area from Orlando, Fla. Charles, the contestant with an Etta James look and the stage presence of a born star, set the packed Performing Arts Center aflame with her soulful song “That Name” by Yolonda Adams.
Charles was named the 2007 Aroostook Idol and, for the next calendar year will make appearances at local United Way of Aroostook events, singing and meeting with many people. Not only was her voice clearly beloved by the majority of people who attended the competition – she was chosen Aroostook Idol by an audience poll – but the message of her song choices hit home with many county residents.
“I think Annie Charles will be a great, inspiring person for people to meet. The way she sings, you just know there are life stories in that lady,” said Caribou resident Diane Dubois after seeing her perform Sunday.
Charles was not alone on the stage at the Aroostook Idol finale, in fact, this year’s singing contest was the largest ever, with 12 finalists.
Finalist Jessica Guyan of Easton sang, “When God Fearing Women Get the Blues,” giving her a mixed review from the judges. Judge Scott Voisine of Fort Kent said of Guyan’s performance, “You had some pitch issues but you looked like you were really having fun out there.” Judge Sherrill Campbell of Caribou said, “You did a nice job.”
Guyan, a 15-year old, performed for the second Aroostook Idol competition in two years. Last year, she was also a finalist at the Aroostook Idol finale.
Julie Shaw, 23, of Westfield performed “Redeemer” by Nicole C. Mullen, getting a warm response from Idol judges.
“You knocked it out of the ballpark. See you in the finals,” said Voisine. Campbell said, “You have great vocal control and fabulous eye contact with the audience.” Shaw, as predicted by Voisine, was named one of the top three finalists in the competition.
Nick Hovey of Houlton, a 15-year-old rap artist, performed an original rap entitled, “Who am I?” Hovey’s performance earned him this comment from Campbell; “I thought I was going to miss the rap you did for regionals because it had such a great message but I didn’t miss it. You were really great.”
Although Hovey didn’t get the audience’s vote for Aroostook Idol 2007, he did make Aroostook Idol history with his intelligent poetry and unique style on stage, garnering him the first-ever Aroostook Idol rapper distinction.
Adam Ouellette, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, and a native of Frenchville, once again appeared at the Aroostook Idol finale, his second in two years. Ouellette performed “Brother Love Traveling Salvation Show,” by Neil Diamond.
“You had the crowd engaged,” said Judge Renee Cavagnaro of Caribou. “You just let it go. I will say it wasn’t your best vocal,” said Voisine.
Julie Curtis, 26, of Ashland was once again a finalist in the Aroostook Idol competition, having appeared last year to sing rockabilly songs in the finale that showcased her sultry voice. Performing “Rock Me Right,” by Susan Tedeschi this year brought her this commentary; “It was a little yelly to me but as usual I (like) your performances,” Voisine said.
Emcee Bouchard said of Curtis’ performance, “The program says you are a resident rocker and you didn’t let us down.”
Aubrie Daigle of New Canada, a 20-year old finalist at the 2007 Aroostook Idol competition, sang Kathy Troccoli’s “Go Light Your World.”
Judge Cavagnaro said of Daigle’s performance, “I think you’ve lit up the audience. This is the song for you.” Judge Voisine said, “I was a little nervous in the beginning about your performance, but I think you are a contender tonight.”
Houlton’s Brandon Clark, age 13 and in the seventh-grade, was the youngest Aroostook Idol contestant to take the stage on Sunday, singing Martina McBride’s “Where Would You Be.”
“Kudos to a 13-year-old for getting out in front of 800 people,” said Voisine. With a packed Caribou Performing Arts Center and technical difficulties throughout the show, as well as a more quiet crowd than many were used to, Clark and his fellow performers all showed poise during their performances.
Erin Buck of Caribou, a 15-year-old freshman, sang “Whatever You Say” by Martina McBride, appearing for the second time at the Aroostook Idol competition.
Buck’s first year in the finale brought these comments from the judges, “You did a really good job. You nailed it,” said Cavagnaro. Voisine said,” Overall, a kick butt job. You maintained pitch at the hardest part of the song, which is hard to do.”
Annie Charles was the next finalist, bringing the audience to their feet at the end of her performance. “You stole the stage,” said Cavagnaro.
“When Annie sings we are all speechless. You are the person to beat. You have a fabulous talent that is in a different league than anybody here,” said Campbell.
“That’s what it’s all about folks,” said Voisine of Charles’ performance. Clearly, the audience agreed, Charles was chosen 2007 Aroostook Idol by a crowd of very enthusiastic local voters.
Pam Cyr, 38, of Fort Kent, a veteran of all three St. John Valley regional competitions, graced the finals for the first time with her performance of Reba McIntire’s “Why Haven’t I Heard From You?”
“You are so much fun and it shows when you sing,” said Campbell. “I made a list of four people that I think will make it to the top three, now I have five,” said Voisine.
Jarad Carney, 29, of Mars Hill came back to the Aroostook Idol competition after performing two years ago. Carney, no stranger to singing for a crowd, is the front man for area band, Django. He sang “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias during the Aroostook Idol finale on Sunday, garnering him a place in the 2007 top three Aroostook Idol finalists.
“Unbelievable. You did a great job,” said Voisine. “You can definitely be my hero. Very good job. See you in the finale,” said the prophetic Campbell.
Danielle Lane, a 14-year-old freshman from Woodland sang “Adonai” by Avalon for her first year in the Aroostook Idol finale.
“Congratulations for trying a hard song. Keep up the good work,” said Cavagnaro. “You have a lovely voice, a really nice way to end the show,” said Campbell.
During the counting of the votes, 2005 Aroostook Idol and current judge Cavagnaro sang “Unchained Melody” by the Everly Brothers, the song which won her the Idol title two years ago. Following her was reigning Aroostook Idol Samantha Boutot of Fort Kent, who performed the song by Heart which won her last year’s title, “What About Love?”
Just before the winner was announced, the finalists and the reigning Idols sang, “When You Believe,” the duet by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, reaffirming their worthiness of being named to the Aroostook Idol entourage.
The United Way of Aroostook brought in an astounding $38,000 to benefit local charities as a result of this year’s event series. For a list of generous sponsors who helped in the promotions of this event and prizes for Charles, which total $1,200, log on to www.unitedwayaroostook.org.
