The judging starts, and Schomberg Idol field begins to shrink
By Bill Rea

Amy Rose Payne of Alliston sang A Teenager in Love, which was made famous by Dion and the Belmonts. Judge Nick Dougherty called it a "nice sassy performance."

The field is down from six to five to see who will be the 2008 Schomberg Idol.

The contestants in the second year of this event took part in their second showcase Saturday at Schomberg United Church. Members of the audience got to vote and the two receiving the fewest votes had to perform once more before the panel of judges, Bruce Proudfoot, Lefty Shaw and Nick Dougherty, all of Tottenham.

In the end, Alicia Richards, 13, of Tottenham, found herself on the bubble. Although she has been removed from the running, event coordinator Beth Wilson stressed she will still be involved in the the remaining events and shows that are part of the Idol contest. Those still in the running are Emily Guhl, Michael D'Alessandro, Amy Rose payne, Nellie Beatty and Giuliana Guarna.

Wilson recalled the six of them performed in December at Main Street Christmas, on a very cold night. "They did amazing that night," she declared.

Nellie Beatty has never taken voice lessons, but that was hard to tell from her performance Saturday. She sang a version of the Buddy Holly classic It Don't Matter Any More. "How do you spell 'awesome'" judge Bruce Proudfoot asked her when she was finished.

As well, they have performed for residents at Kitchen-Breedon Manor, and even helped serve tea after the performance.

The Idol competition is a project of the Schomberg Agricultural Society.

The next showcase for the group will be April 19 at Chestnut Manor, and then they will appear at the Victoria Day celebrations in Nobleton. The new Schomberg Idol will be named at Schomberg Fair, which will run from May 22 to 25.

Alicia Richards was the first to sing Saturday, performing Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar. Judge Nick Dougherty said the performance "blew me away." Alas, one of the contestants had to be eliminated that day, and it was Alicia. Giuliana Guarna's selection was I Who Have Nothing. "You have a very strong, nice alto voice," judge Lefty Shaw told her. "Your artistic ability seems to be really good too. A very excellent performance." Michael D'Alessandro of Schomberg sang the Beatles' classic Let It Be. "I feel like I just got a full 400,000 pounds off my shoulders," he remarked when he was finished. "I loved it," said judge Bruce Proudfoot. "That was a tough song to get the dynamics going, but you handled it well." Emily Guhl, 14, of Bolton sang the Faith Hill version of Piece of My Heart. "That was an awesome performance," judge Lefty Shaw told her at the end, complimenting her on her movements and stage presence.