Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
James Durbin plays his guitar as he and his band headline Saturday evening's HIT Idol event at the Historic Ironwood Theatre. Durbin was a finalist on American Idol's season 10. Saturday's show also included performances by the six winners from Friday night's contest. All 34 contestants also joined Durbin on stage to perform Saturday.
The winners of the fifth annual HIT Idol pose for a picture Saturday with James Durbin, "American Idol" Season 10 finalist. Pictured, first row, from left, are: Liam Hogan and Kara Dums in the youth category, and Veronica Weaver in the adult category; and second row, Alyssa Schwab in the young adult category, Durbin, and Madeline Gabka and Ethan Puisto in the high school category.
IRONWOOD - Six winners of the fifth annual HIT Idol singing competition were announced at the Historic Ironwood Theatre Saturday night.
In front of more than 700 people, with the spotlight on them, 34 youth and young adult finalists from Gogebic County, Iron County and beyond performed on Friday evening for the chance to open Saturday night's show, headlined by American Idol season 10 finalist James Durbin.
Contestants were divided into three categories - youth for kids in grades 5-8, high school and young adult. From each category, a panel of judges selected two winners.
With the sound of a drum roll, the winners were announced. The winners of the youth category were Kara Dums, for her performance of "Rotten to the Core," and Liam Hogan, for his rendition of "Viva La Vida."
In the high school category, Madeline Gabka was selected for her performance of "Nobody's Fault But Mine," and Ethan Puisto was chosen for his performance of "Superstar."
Lastly, the winners of the young adult category were Veronica Weaver, for her performance of "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps," and Alyssa Schwab, for her rendition of "Jolene."
Pleased with how all the contestants performed, co-producer Janie Williams said the performances were the best so far in five years.
"Friday night was one of the best shows that we've ever had," she said. "The quality of the solos was amazing and the kids were on fire."
On Saturday evening, the winners performed one more time before Durbin took the stage.
As the lights went out, the sounds of guitars, drums and bass filled the air. The curtain opened and Durbin and his band rocked the HIT for 90 minutes. Accompanying Durbin were Eric Peterson on drums and DJ Patton on bass.
Between songs, Durbin entertained the crowd with stories and a noise competition. To get the audience fired up, Durbin pointed to an audience section and told that section to scream to find out which section was the loudest.
HIT Idol Managing Director Bruce Greenhill said he was blown away by the atmosphere at the theatre.
"It was great to hear the place rocking tonight," he said. "To hear people screaming and sining along, it was really cool to hear that noise throughout the auditorium."
Midway through the concert, Durbin invited all 34 finalists back on stage to sing with him. Kaylan Volaski said it was an opportunity of a "lifetime."
"It was a really big opportunity to be up there and perform with him," she said. "He's a really big inspiration to many of us."
Annette Burchell, HIT Idol producer, said the Durbin concert was "amazing."
While staying in the area, Durbin said he and his band were welcomed by the community.
"I had a lot of fun, the hospitality was great and the theater was beautiful," he said. "Everyone that we've met has been fun. We've got a lot of stories to tell."
Looking at the crowd, Williams said she was appreciative of the community for attending the show.
"I am continually impressed by the community and the support these kids get when they're up on stage performing," she said. "It's a beautiful thing to see."
