Staff Writer
As the fifth annual Aroostook Idol Finale began to unfold on the stage of the Caribou Performing Arts Center recently, the nine finalists didn’t disappoint their audience. The popular vocal contest is a fund-raiser for the United Way, raising more than $30,000 via the regional contests and the finale.
Pamela Cyr of Fort Kent, voted the 2009 Aroostook Idol, energized the crowd with her rendition of Reba McIntire’s “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.”
Claudia Stevens, president of the Aroostook United Way organization thanked the audience and local communities for the tremendous support that is shown for this event. Stevens stated, “With the proceeds from today, Aroostook Idol has brought $30,000 to the United Way of Aroostook, this has allowed the overall goal of $480,000 to be achieved.” Stevens informed audience members of some of the 25 different programs that the United Way supports including the focus on fuel assistance, substance abuse and seeing that families or individuals in need receive enough food. Stevens co-hosted the afternoon event with Jason Parent.
Prior to the nine finalists taking the stage, the three judges for the anticipated event, all former Aroostook Idol winners, performed individually and with the nine contestants in the closing number. The winner of the event was selected through audience voting. The judges were on stage to critique, support and offer encouragement to the contestants.
Judges included the first (2005) Aroostook Idol winner, Rene Cavagnaro, who said, “I’m looking forward to seeing these finalists step it up this afternoon.” Also seated at the judges table were, Samantha Boutot, 2006 Aroostook Idol winner and Annie Charles, 2007 Aroostook Idol winner, aka the ‘DFAS Diva.”
Eighteen-year-old Caleb Richardson of Houlton, was the first finalist to perform. Picked as a finalist in the southern Aroostook competition, Richardson said, “Music is my life and I love performing songs that are close to my heart. This is my last chance to do Aroostook Idol before I go to college.” The young vocalist, performing “More”, by Matthew West, was relaxed and confident as he covered the stage, singing to the audience and to the judges.
Cavagnaro said of his performance, “You have great voice quality, very strong for your age and you have great stage presence.”
Boutot added, “You stepped it up, you did great and should be proud.”
Charles commented, “ You’re wonderful, I’m impressed. This was a great choice of song for you, I think I’ll see you later.”
Indya Ouellete, from Madawaska , chosen in the northern Aroostook competition was the second finalist. At only 12 years- of age, the young songstress sang, “Anyway,” by Martina McBride. “I love to perform for an audience and thought Aroostook Idol would be a good way to be heard by a larger crowd. I just love to sing.” And she did just that. Beginning a bit softly, the pre-teen soon lost herself in the music and what she loves to do, allowing her voice to take on the emotion and range of the song.
Cavagnaro told her, “It’s quite a thing for a 12-year-old to perform in this competition. That’s was a huge song choice, I’m really proud of you. You hit those high notes, don’t give up, you’re fabulous.”
Charles said, “You were holding back at first, then you opened up the flood gates.”
Boutot told her, “Great job, you just belted it out at the end. It was a bit rough at first but I think you were just a little nervous.”
Nicole Ballard from Presque Isle, was a finalist from the central Aroostook competition. At age 20 she stated, “I love to sing and love to perform, so; I like to take every opportunity to do so.” Singing Faith Hill’s, “A Baby Changes Everything,” Ballard caught the audience with an emotion-filled voice.
Cavagnaro responded,“You deserve to be here, you have a wonderful presence on stage and a very mature voice.”
Boutot stated, “You really did what you had to do for the finale.”
Charles added, “Awesome — loved it!”
At age 12, Jordan Buckley, from Westfield, a winner in the central Aroostook division, is no stranger to performing at the Caribou Performing Arts Center. “I enjoy singing and want to compete for a good cause, to help people through the United Way,” she stated when asked why she participated in Aroostook Idol. Stepping to stage center, the young lady sang, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” by Carrie Underwood, receiving applause as she hit some very strong notes.
Cavagnaro said, “You did a very nice job, I think you might have been a little bit nervous at first but when you hit that big note, you really hit it in a powerful way. Kudos should go to the parents of these young performers.”
Charles told Buckley, “Go down deep inside yourself for those notes, honey keep going. You’re going to be dynamite.”
Boutot said, “Another great job. I think you maybe ran out of breath on some of the notes, you just need to take a deep breath. Come back.”
Rene Russell, a finalist from the southern Aroostook trials, is a 16-year-old from Island Falls who stated, “I love to sing and Aroostook Idol allows me to do that and support a good cause at the same time.” Performing the bluesy “Black Velvet,” by Alanna Miles, the young woman’s raspy notes were a good fit for the song.
Cavagnaro told her, “I heard you sing ‘God’s Will,” in Presque Isle, you’re sweet and that shines through when you sing. Congratulations for reaching the finale.”
Boutot added, “Good job, but you might want to add a little sassiness to that song.”
Charles commented, “You sounded good, don’t give up, keep on singing.”
A finalist from the central Aroostook competition, Presque Isle’s Daniel Rooney, proved to be a crowd pleaser as he performed a self-composed song, “Sideways.” The 20-year-old said, “I feel that music is a large part of my life and can ask for nothing more than a chance to become recognized as the Aroostook Idol.”
Cavagnaro said, “I’m very happy to see you here, you are a true musician.”
Boutot stated, “ Great job once again, we might just see you in the top three.”
Charles responded by saying, “The originality, I loved it. I love your deep voice.”
Erica Ouellette, of Madawaska, earned her slot at the finals by being one of the finalists named at the northern Aroostook competition. The 22-year-old said, “Singing has always been my passion and I feel I’m ready to show my talent to family and friends, along with singing in front of the crowd.” Singing, “I Wonder,”by Kelly Pickler, the contender kept the audience’s attention with the emotional song.
Cavagnaro said, “You deserve to be here, you have a very mature voice. This was a good song choice for you and you showed your feelings. Really nice job.”
Boutot stated, “I loved the way you told the story of the song. Great job.”
Charles encouraged, “You make us feel the feelings, that was awesome. Keep it up.”
Pamela Cyr a finalist from the Northern Aroostook competition, hails from Fort Kent. The 40-year-old stated, “I enjoy singing. I don’t think I’m great and I didn’t join to win. It’s about doing what I enjoy and enjoying what I’m doing. Performing Reba Mcintire’s, “Why Haven’t I Heard From You,” there were few in the audience who didn’t appreciate the blues-based vocals.
Cavagnaro told Cyr, “What a great song, you showed us what it’s all about. You’re a true performer. Great.”
Boutot added, “You rocked it. It was jazzy and sassy.”
Charles said, “You’re awesome.”
He may have been the last finalist, but Dawson Graham, 20, from Weston, proved he wasn’t least. “I find peace and satisfaction in music. My goal for each performance is to give people a good time while at the same time uniting and encouraging them.” Singing, Toby Keith’s, “He Ain’t Worth Missing,” Graham created quite a stir.
Cavagnaro said, “I got goosebumps listening to you sing. If I had closed my eyes, I could have been listening to a recording. Right on.”
Boutot stated, “You have a true country voice and you sang to the crowd.”
Charles added, “I love your voice, you worked that stage. I liked it — see you later.”
The three contestants voted to be finalists for the 2009 Aroostook Idol title were Nicole Ballard, Dawson Graham and Pamela Cyr. The three stepped to the stage one more time, trying to win over the audience by performing one more time. Ballard sang, “Anyway,” by Martina McBride; Graham performed “In the Heart of a Woman,” by Billy Ray Cirrus and Pamela Cyr entertained with Tina Turner’s, “Proud Mary.”
With the votes in and tabulated, the Pamela Cyr became the 2009 Aroostook Idol.
Other performances throughout the afternoon event included those by Renee Cavagnaro, Samantha Boutot, Annie Charles and the 2008 Aroostook Idol, Erin Buck.
A finale performance of “Someday,” featured the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Aroostook Idols along with the 2008 season five finalists.
In addition to being an ambassador for the United Way of Aroostook, the 2009 Aroostook Idol also received a fabulous cash and prize package donated by the following: Academy Dental, P.A.; The Cellar Door Recording Studio; Governor’s Restaurant and Riverside Restaurant.
Regional production host sites were Houlton High School, Presque Isle Middle School and the University of Maine at Fort Kent.
Sponsors also include: Huber Engineered Woods, LLC; Gallagher Insurance; TD Banknorth; Katahdin Trust Co.; KFC/Taco Bell; Columbia Forest Products; Presque Isle WalMart; Key Bank; The Aroostook Medical Center; Caribou Rotary Club; Cary Medical Center; Graves Shop’N’Save; Savings Bank of Maine and Maine Public Service.
Also: Dr. Donald Cassidy; Dead River Co.; Coca-Cola Bottling Co.; Boralex Energy; Naturally Potatoes; Northern Maine Medical Center and Northern Maine Community College.
Aroostook Idol 2009 was also sponsored in part by: York’s of Houlton; Maine Farmers Exchange; Star City, Hillside and Mars Hill IGA; Buck Construction; Paradis Shop’N’Save and Pharmacy; Northeast Packaging Co.; County Federal Credit Union; Barresi Financial, Inc. and Marquis/Michaud Well Drilling.
Media partners supporting the Aroostook Idol include WAGM FOX 8, Channel X Radio, WAGM -TV 8, Big 97 Country, WHOU 100FM; The Rock102;, Q96.1; Time Warner Cable; WEGP 1390; St. John Valley Times; the Star-Herald; the Houlton Pioneer Times; the Aroostook Republican and the Fort Fairfield Journal.
Jason Parent and Claudia Stevens kept things moving right along as hosts of the 2009 Aroostook Idol competition.
Contestants in Aroostook Idol 2009 performed together prior to the start of the competition held recently at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
Twelve-year-old Jordan Buckley from Westfield, stepped to the microphone at the Caribou Performing Arts Center and sang “Jesus Take the Wheel,” by Carrie Underwood, as she vied for the 2009 Aroostook Idol title.
Dawson Graham of Weston gave Toby Keith a run for his money as he sang Keith’s song, “He Ain’t Worth Missing,” during the 2009 Aroostook Idol show.
The very first Aroostook Idol winner in 2005, Rene Cavagnaro was a judge during the 2009 event but also stepped to center stage singing, “Over the Rainbow.”
Presque Isle’s Nicole Ballard entertained during the 2009 Aroostook Idol event by performing “A Baby Changes Everything,” by Faith Hill.
Daniel Rooney of Presque Isle presented his self-composed song, “Sideways,” to the large crowd ready to vote at the 2009 Aroostook Idol show.
Erin Buck of Caribou, the 2008 Aroostook Idol winner performed during the 2009 event.
Annie Charles, also known as the DFAS Diva, was the Aroostook Idol in 2007. Charles captivated the audience during the 2009 event and also served as one of three judges.
2006 Aroostook Idol winner, Samantha Boutot performs during the 2009 event held recently at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
Erica Ouellette, of Madawaska, participated in the 2009 Aroostook Idol event by singing, Kelly Pickler’s “I Wonder.”
Houlton’s Caleb Richardson performed “More,” by Matthew West during the 2009 Aroostook Idol competition.
Singing, “Black Velvet,” by Alanna Miles, Renae Russell of Island Falls, captured the audience with the bluesy song.
Indya Ouellette of Madawaska, sang Martina McBride’s “Anyway,” for her Aroostook Idol performance.
