Newton Kansan
NEWTON —
Newton’s Historic Fox Theatre was rockin’ and rollin’, country swinging and gospel praisin’ Tuesday night as the third annual Newton Idol kicked off the Chisholm Trail festival.
Fifteen contestants competed in the first round of competition.The Newton Idol, which is modeled after TV’s “American Idol” was a mix of local talent.Performances ranged from air guitars to real guitars.Most contestants sang to prerecorded music, but Charlie Rippe performed her original song “Hometown.”The following 10 contestants advanced to the semi-final round: Jordan Claassen, 15, Hesston; Megan Davies, 19, Newton; Lindsey Friesen, 20, Newton; Robert Howell, 16, Newton; Kassidy Knowles, 19, Salina; Malee Koerner, 16, Newton; Charlie Rippe, 17, Peabody; Travis Smith, 28, Newton; Beth Tuszynski, 48, Newton; and Rodney Wren, 27, Newton.The semi-finals will be 7 p.m. Thursday at the Newton skate park, prior to the street dance. The field will be paired down to five finalists, who will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday at Athletic Park.The winner will receive $250, the second place finisher will receive $100 and the third-place finisher will receive $50.The competition was judged by J.R. Sartain, Jim Daily, and George and Jeanette Leary.The competition is sponsored by Autocraft of Wichita.Other performers included Adam Chamberlain, 16, Newton; Olevia Hudson, 34, Newton; Emily Olson, 19, Newton; and Chrisma Walker.April Webb, last year’s Newton Idol winner, performed for the crowded Fox Theatre audience.Webb said she soon will travel to Kansas City to compete in the “American Idol” competition.
