Fort Scott Idol competition draws 39 singers, big crowd of spectators

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- A packed house saw a record number of contestants take the stage to perform during the sixth annual Fort Scott Idol competition Thursday evening at Memorial Hall.

Contest organizers said the competition featured 39 singers, the most in the event's history. Contestants in three age divisions performed for the crowd and two local judges in hopes of winning cash prizes and to be crowned the next Fort Scott Idol in their age group. The event kicked off the 30th annual Good Ol' Days celebration, which continues through Sunday.

While most of the singers are from Fort Scott, some came from other parts of Kansas and Missouri to perform. A few contestants used guitars during their performances.

Barbara Hartley, of Herrington, won the 18-and-older category with her version of the popular Righteous Brothers song "Unchained Melody." She put a spiritual twist on the classic song and received a standing ovation for her uplifting performance.

In that same age group, Addi Brown, of Fort Scott, won the second place prize with her performance of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'." Cheri Avery, of Girard, took home the third place prize with her rendition of the Lady Gaga song, "Speechless."

First place in the 14-17 age division went to Taylor Cheyenne Watkins, of Garland. Watkins sang the Pink song "Perfect." In that age group, Gabby Gire, of Sheldon, Mo., won second place for her performance of the country song, "Something to Do With Your Hands." Chance Hoener, of Redfield, received third place for his version of the Leonard Cohen song, "Hallelujah."

In the 11-13 age category, Zoey Ball, of Scammon, sang the Kelly Clarkson hit "Breakaway" and won first place for her performance. Alex King, of Fort Scott, won second place in that same age group with her performance of Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful." Third place in that age division went to Erica Diehl, of Rich Hill, Mo., who sang the popular "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele.

Eight-year-old Mesa Maria Jones, of Fort Scott, won first place in the 5-10 age category. The youngster sang the Olivia Newton John song "Hopelessly Devoted to You." Second place in that age group went to Anna Spencer, 10, of Hume, Mo., who sang "Wildflower," a country song by The JaneDear Girls. The third place winner, Kallee Bartlett, 10, of Fort Scott, sang Taylor Swift's "You Belong with Me."

Each first place winner was awarded a $100 prize, second place winners took home $50, and third place winners received $25. Judges for the competition were Mary Jo Harper and Cathy Bishop, who critiqued each singer following his or her performance. Felisha Sweat, last year's winner in the 18-and-older category, gave a special performance at the conclusion of the event.

Local broadcaster Larry Gazaway and insurance agent Kale Nelson served as emcees for the event, which is modeled after the popular "American Idol" television show.