Schomberg Idol contestants provide entertaining afternoon of competition
There was a packed house at St. Mary Magdalene's Anglican Church in Schomberg Saturday for the latest installment of the first Schomberg Idol competition. The 13 contestants sang songs from the '70s and '80s, with members of the audience being able to vote for their two favourites at the end of the performance. The public also had the chance to vote on-line for 24 hours after the show. The tabulation of the votes will be announced at the next stage of the competition, scheduled for April 14. The contestants also heard comments and suggestions from a panel of adjudicators; Tom Malone and Cathryn McGregor of Bond Head and Schomberg area resident Linda Baker.

Photos by Bill Rea Amanda Belardinelli sang True Colours, and drew praise from the adjudicators for having the courage to go first. She was lauded for her "lovely voice," by one of them. "Fantastic potential for the future," another added. Ashley MacDonald performed Heaven is a Place on Earth. The adjudicators said her love of singing came through. "Enjoy it and forget we're all here," one of them said. James O'Connor sang Open Arms. "You chose a really, really challenging song and you did a fantastic job with it," one of the adjudicators told him. Jeffrey Byron Lean had his fellow contestants waving banners as he belted out We are the Champions. "Some people were just born to perform and entertain other people," was the reaction of one of the adjudicators to his performance. Michala Todd offered her interpretation of You Light up my Life. "You really are a singer's singer," she was told. Sarah Forestieri's selection was Flash Dance. "You're in your element," she was told. "Stage is home." Caroline Rucella sang I will Survive. "You're very powerful," she was told. Helder Mendonca performed Desperado. "Wow, you're going to be great," one of the adjudicators declared. Jamie Warren entertained the audience with a rendition of Wind Beneath my Wings. "Your music has feeling," she was told. Laura Grossi's rendition of Out Here on my Own drew her praise for her natural ability and belief in what she was doing. "That is all coming across gangbusters," she was told. Sandy Mosher sang a version of the classic Joy to the World. "I think you'd better stick with it," an adjudicator told her. "You're good." Krystal Siebert put on an animated performance of Call Me. "Imagine having the confidence at your age to pull off a song like that!" one of the adjudicators declared. Meg Bennett drew praise for her selection. "I believe you were speaking to someone," she was told. "It was clear to me the emotion was there."