Local singers try out for ‘American Idol’ on Saturday

Sunday, 08 July 2012 by Ashley Corn

Local singers line the sidewalk outside of In the Mood Ballroom in Temple waiting for their turn during the “Central Texas Idol” competition on Saturday. The judges heard 100 singers and chose 15 to move on to the regional competition in Killeen on July 14.A number of people lined the sidewalk in front of In The Mood Ballroom in Temple on Saturday, in hopes of moving on to compete in front of thousands of people, and becoming the next American Idol.

"We need the arts to continue to thrive," Bob Medina, Emcee of the day's events said.

The auditions began at noon, and some people arrived as early as 6 a.m. to be guaranteed to be one of the first 100 competitors.

"I feel like this is a good experience to let people know what I can do," Bradrick Hudson said while waiting patiently to audition. "I want to be able to inspire others with my work and stories."

Each contestant sang a song of their choice in front of local judges. The judges were Katie Rachal, a music teacher at Thornton Elementary, Kevin Riley, a music teacher, Austin Musician, and blues man for 30 years, Jonathan Owens, a local praise and worship leader at Taylor's Valley church in Temple, Susan Owens, a choir teacher at Copperas Cove Junior High School and has been giving piano lessons for 30 years, and Elaine Garcia, owner of a private music studio in Harker Heights offering a variety of music lessons.

Bradrick Hudson practices his song while waiting outside for auditions to start at In the Mood Ballroom on Saturday.American Idol Trivia was played in between every few performances and small prizes were handed out.

The 15 contestants chosen to continue on to the Regionals at the Killeen Mall on July 14 are: Holly Tucker, Joshua McCartney, Allyn Wright, Lindsey Mitchell, Evan Webber, Brooklyn McDaris, Deidre Roberson, Braderick Hudson, Kaitlyn Scott, Bianca Guajardo, Julia Drellana, Victoria DeJesus, Michael Curtis, Hannah Gilmore, and Rebekah Pritchard.

At the regional competition, the 15 will have a sing-off against many other hopefuls, and only one will be chosen to continue on to Kansas City and possibly become the next winner of American Idol.

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