Calvert Library and Garrett Music Academy hosted ‘RU Calvert’s Next Idol’ and the young talent in Calvert County came out of the woodwork! Auditions were held on Friday, July 30 at Calvert Library in Prince Frederick with over 40 contestants competing.
The youth competed by age category and the top performers went on to compete at the Finals on July 31. While the winners will not necessarily be signed by a record label at the end of the event, they will be offered the opportunity to create a professional demo recording at The Garrett Music Academy’s studio and have a professional photo shoot. Heavenly Chicken sponsored gift cards for each of the finalists.
There were six competitors in the 7-10 age category for the Finals: Dakota Seek, Valentina Nazzaro, Helena Jost, Nahlo Gueue, Samantha Fowler and Aaron Fowler. With a crowd of over 200, these young people had to be brave as well as talented, and they were. Leah Maloney, one of the judges was heard to say, “They are all so talented, it is hard to choose just one.” Aaron Fowler walked away with the first place prize in this category. He engaged the crowd with his moving rendition of ‘Temporary Home.’
The tween category had seven contestants in the Finals: Shelby Tugwell, Emma Raphael, Noah Queen, Michaela Pitcher, Sandie Goldstein, Francis Ford and Niki Elliot. The judges found themselves hard-pressed to select a winner from the wide array of talent in this age group. Selections included the inspiring song of the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament “Waving Flag” (Noah Queen).
After hearing naturally-talented Michaela Pitcher sing Lady Antebellum’s “American Honey,” judge and Nashville producer Tom Dahrens asked, “Are you sure you’re from Calvert County and not Nashville?” The winner in the tween category (11-14 years old) was musical prodigy, Emma Raphael, who sang the crowd-pleasing 1960’s Etta James classic “At Last.” Her performance showcased a genuine musical genius.
The last group of performers included many return contestants from last year’s Idol competition. The teen group, ages 15-17, had seven performers selected to participate in the Finals: Randi Wright, Jackie Reading, Summerlynn Mealing, Carly Gieger, Jimmy Fagan, Caitlan Fagan and Ben Cooper. Again, the talent made for a great show and the audience got into the performances.
Song choices ranged from Randi Wright performing show tune “How Could I Ever Know?” from “The Secret Garden,” Jimmy Fagan performing 50’s doo-wop selection “Rama Lama Ding Dong”, to singer/songwriter Carly Geiger’s original “Storm.” Summerlynn Mealing took the prize in this category with a top-notched performance. The multitalented Mealing showcased her musical versatility as she played piano while belting out “Ain’t No Sunshine” in true bluesy fashion.
The competition had three judges with strong music backgrounds. Nashville producer Tom Dahrens is also a music writer and has produced dozens of artists in Nashville and worked in the area’s most prestigious studios. Music videographer, Charles Harris from Southern Maryland has worked with many nationally known rap artists such as P. Diddy and Lil’ Kim. Calvert’s own Leah Maloney rounded out the panel. Maloney with a music education degree from the University of Maryland has spent her music career living and working in Maryland.
If you missed the event, you can see samples of the
