A Talent From Winnsboro

By
Minda Painter

The search for the 2010-Rural American Idol continues. Last Saturday night, the old Cotton Pickin’ Theatre in Point, Texas rocked with excitement as the P.O.I.N.T. organization showcased some exciting newcomers on stage. A good mix of talent included a young first grader, a “gracious grandma”, an expectant mom, and an aspiring songwriter from Winnsboro, Stephanie Hamilton. You couldn’t ask for a better variety of talent.

The Rural Music Revue, which features the competition, highlighted the performance of two finalists from previous Rural American Idol contests. 2009 Division 3 winner, James Smith, opened the show with his radiant delivery of the Cajun song “Jambalaya. His flamboyant performance and song selections from different eras, took the audience down memory lane.

Katelyn Huff, from Sulphur Springs, was the other featured finalists. She was an impressive, fresh talent when she was in competition last year. Noticeably taller and without her teeth braces, 15 year old Katelyn has grown to be a fine-looking young gal with more developed voice and performance. Her delivery of her opening song, “I Told You So” was well received. That song was followed by her rendition of a Patsy Cline selection, “Walkin After Midnight”. In the second half of the show, she continued on with another Patsy Cline song, “Crazy”.

The audition segment of the show brought on a powerful performance by seven-year-old, Emily Worley, a first grader who showed her outstanding singing ability and great ease on stage. She performed “You Ain’t Woman Enough” and “The Climb” without any hitch, not missing any word, beat or pitch.

Next to audition was Laura Cockerham from Emory. An avid Karaoke singer, her selection was upbeat number “It’s Time for a Party” and a turn-around beat of “I May Hate Myself in the Morning”. Her songs brought a chorus of cheer to the stage. Her bubbly persona and her ease of delivery was enjoyed by the audience.

New country music selections “I Hope You Dance” and “You Were Meant For Me” were brilliantly performed by Stephanie Hamilton, an aspiring singer/songwriter from Winnsboro. With her own music accompaniment on a guitar, she sung samples of her original songs during the second segment of the show.

After a long absence from the Point stage, Billie Jo Russell, the former Billie Jo Ferguson, is back to participate with great enthusiasm in the competition, Her rendition of Etta James’ classic romantic, “At Last” was outstanding. She presented a familiar side of her talent as she sang “Cowboy Sweetheart”, and showed her ability to yodel.

The four, marvelous, contrasting talents, who auditioned will all move on for a showdown in their respective divisions for the competition in July.

After the relief of the pressure of an audition, the second half of the Rural American Music Revue gave Worley, Cockerham, Hamilton, and Russell opportunity to showcase their talent. Each artist loosened-up and presented a relaxed rendition of their act. Worley’s young spirit and her cute rendition of “He’s Got The Whole World in His Hand” endeared her to the crowd. Bravely holding her emotions from recently loosing her grandmother, Katelynn Huff closed the show with a new version of the song, “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”.

The search for the 2010 Rural American Idol continues. The schedule for the next audition is June 26 and the next competition date is July 24. Call Minda Painter at 903-268-5779 or Gaye Hooten at 903-598-3293 or visit www.ruralamericans.org for more information and entry form.

Tonight, May 28, the Friday Night Shindig Show (Gospel Night) will be featuring a gospel singing group “Psalms 100” from Sulphur Springs.

Saturday night, by popular demand, Elvis impersonator, Josh Davis, will have stage another event for the Texas Music Concert Series. Long-time Elvis fans will enjoy the excitement and electricity that Josh Davis presents in his performance. Friday night show time is 7:30 and on Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

Picture:
2009 Rural American Idol Finalist Katelynn Huff (left) and Division3 winner James Smith (far right) with Rural American Idol contestants Stephanie Hamilton, Billie Joe Russell, Emily Worley and Laura Cockerham.