Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for Jordan Buckley, Daniel Rooney and Nicole Ballard as they were named regional finalists in the central Aroostook Idol show which benefits the United Way of Aroostook.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
BEING CHOSEN CENTRAL AROOSTOOK FINALISTS in Friday’s Aroostook Idol contest held at the Presque Isle Middle School auditorium were, from left: Daniel Rooney of Presque Isle, Nicole Ballard of Presque Isle, and Jordan Buckley of Westfield. The three will join the finalists from the southern and northern Aroostook Idol shows to compete for the title of Aroostook Idol at the finale Sunday, March 1 at the Caribou Performing Arts Center. Aroostook Idol is a fund-raiser for the United Way of Aroostook.
Held at the Presque Isle Middle School auditorium, 16 contestants battled nerves and some technical glitches to perform in front of a nearly sold-out venue with the hope of being named one of the three finalists to advance to the Sunday, March 1 Aroostook finale at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
The evening’s judges, who offered constructive comments throughout the night, were former Aroostook Idol winners Renee Cavagnaro (2005) of Caribou, Samantha Boutot (2006) of Fort Kent and Annie Charles (2007) of Limestone. The three central Aroostook finalists were chosen by audience vote.
Buckley, 12, of Westfield, sang “Jesus Take the Wheel,” originally performed by Carrie Underwood.
“Wow,” said Cavagnaro. “That was extremely impressive. That was a great song choice for you, and you have great control and really sang it with feeling.”
“You have a really mature voice,” Boutot said. “I’m speechless. You gave me goose bumps.”
Rooney, of Presque Isle, performed a self-composed song titled, “Sideways.” Much like this season of “American Idol,” which the local fund-raiser is tailored after, contestants are able to use instruments during their performance. Rooney played the guitar during his song.
“I give you a 10 for originality,” said Charles. “That was awesome.”
“That was so cool,” Cavagnaro said. “To be able to write, sing and play is awesome.”
Ballard, also of Presque Isle, performed “Anyway,” originally recorded by Martina McBride.
“I wrote the word ‘powerhouse’ on my notes,” said Boutot. “You have a powerhouse voice. You made singing that song effortless.”
“You do have a powerful voice, but also a very pure, crystal clear voice,” Cavagnaro said. “Great job.”
Also competing last week were:
• Jenice Jarvis of Presque Isle, “My Heart Will Go On.”
• Robert Helstrom of Washburn, “At This Moment.”
• Melissa Tilley of Blaine, “Valentine.”
• Lorna McGee of Fort Fairfield, who sang a parody of the Kenny Rogers song, “Lucille.”
• Deanna Jordan of Caribou, “Love Story.”
• Adam Simoes of Presque Isle, “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”
• Cathy Brown of Limestone, “Sober.”
• Heather Maynard of Caribou, “So Small.”
• Randolph Michaud of Mapleton, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
• Lance Sullivan of Ashland, “Train.”
• Alyson Michaud of Caribou, “Because You Loved Me.”
• Jamilynn Deschesne of Caribou, “You Light up My Life.”
• Lydia Abbott of Presque Isle, “My Heart Will Go On.”
Erin Buck of Caribou, the reigning 2008 Idol, was originally scheduled to perform during the show, but ended up going to Florida during her winter school vacation. Cavagnaro, Boutot and Charles performed two song selections in her place.
Last year’s Aroostook Idol series raised about $30,000, with an additional $34,000 in in-kind donations/advertising. Local businesses also contributed $1,000 in prizes to the Idol winner.
The southern Aroostook show was held Jan. 30 in Houlton, while the northern Aroostook competition was held Feb. 6 in Fort Kent. As is Aroostook Idol tradition, the top three contestants at each of the regional shows – as determined by audience vote – will move forward to the March 1 finale to compete against other regional winners for the title of Aroostook Idol. Over the past three years, the finale show has been a sellout, filling all 825 seats at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are $10 and are available at any Key Bank branch in Aroostook County, as well as the United Way of Aroostook office in Presque Isle. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door.
For more information on the Aroostook Idol competition, contact the United Way of Aroostook at (207) 764-5197.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
CLAUDIA STEVENS, executive director of the United Way of Aroostook, and Jason Parent served as co-hosts at Friday night’s central Aroostook Idol show held in Presque Isle. Aroostook Idol, now in its fifth year, is a fund-raiser for the United Way of Aroostook. Last year’s Idol series raised about $30,000, with an additional $34,000 in in-kind donations/advertising. Local businesses also contributed $1,000 in prizes to the Idol winner. The finale will be held Sunday, March 1 at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
SIXTEEN CONTESTANTS competed in Friday’s central Aroostook Idol show. Vying for one of the three finalist slots were, front row, from left: Lydia Abbott, Deanna Jordan, Jamilynn Deschesne, Alyson Michaud, Cathy Brown, Jordan Buckley, Robert Helstrom and Melissa Tilley. Back row: Heather Maynard, Adam Simoes, Lorna McGee, Daniel Rooney, Lance Sullivan, Nicole Ballard, Randolph Michaud and Jenice Jarvis. At the end of the night, Buckley, Ballard and Rooney received “golden tickets” to the Sunday, March 1 finale at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
