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A mixed audience looked on as she sang 30 seconds of “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts.
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Jennifer Modderman, 26, sings "Amazing Grace" on Monday during auditions for Fox 47 Idol held at Saint Mary's University. Three people picked from this round of auditions go to a Regional Idol Concert in Rochester. (photo by Katie Derus/Winona Daily News) |
The third annual Fox 47 Idol hosted auditions Monday at Saint Mary’s University.
This round of auditions will send three finalists to the Regional Idol Concert next month at a to-be-determined venue. From there, the winner of the regional contest will be guaranteed a spot at the American Idol tryouts in East Rutherford, N.J.
Nichole Hubers, 20, of Anoka, Minn., was prompted by her grandmother, Sharon Thompson, of Winona, to try out.
“She sang at a family reunion down here, and people wouldn’t let her stop singing,” Thompson said.
Hubers auditioned with “Leave the Pieces” by The Wreckers.
“I’m not a Mariah Carey,” Hubers said. “I have a raspy, low voice, and I use it to my advantage.”
Watkins, 16, has been singing her whole life.
“Music is my passion,” Watkins, a junior at Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School, said.
Passion was definitely something the five judges were looking for.
“We’re looking for someone with vocal ability, the look and style, as well as something unique,” judge Nicole Hurt, a sales rep for Fox 47, said.
American Idol’s new season premieres in January on Fox, and with this boost, Fox 47 promotions manager Rita Duda hopes to see a local contestant get far in the competition.
“We get ‘em there,” Duda said. “It’s their own talent from there on.”
Fox 47 brought their cameras to Winona looking for the next American Idol. Did they find her? Judge for yourself.
