On Saturday, March 16, 2013, The Hickory Rotary Club conducted its annual Rotarian Idol fundraiser to benefit local educational initiatives. The singing contest was held at P.E. Monroe Auditorium on the campus of Lenoir Rhyne University. The twenty finalists who competed for the top prize of $2500 were:
Contestant | Song | Contestant | Song |
Elisabeth Ballard | Sittin’ on Top of the World | Collin Nixon | Standing Strong |
Kevin Barlowe | Tonight | Summer Rahn | I Will Always Love You |
Lark Bodnar | On My Own | Carolina Romero-Leon | One and Only |
Michael Brown | T-R-O-U-B-L-E | Amanda Sigmon | If I Ain’t Got You |
Leslie Cline | I Remember You | Shawn Snook | Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye |
Jonathan Dale | Felling Good | Hannah Stancil | Somethin’s Got Ahold on Me |
Amanda Harren | Black Velvet | Curtisha Stephens | Summertime |
Tim Lee | Shine the Light | Greg Suddreth | My Girl |
Joni Marley | Hey Big Spender | Lauren Wasmund | The Way I Am |
Jennifer Murray | Mama’s Broken Heart | Johnny White | Can’t Give Up Now |
Click Contestant Name for Contestant Photo
The runner-up received $1500, and the “Audience Favorite” received $500. The contestants were judged by a panel of four music industry professionals who said the talent was so outstanding that the selection of a winner and runner-up was difficult.
A generous donation (autographed memorabilia) by country music star, Eric Church, was awarded as a door prize to Bryan Setzler whose ticket stub was drawn as the door prize winner.
The fundraiser, co-chaired by John Rambo and Sandi Fotheringham, and conducted with the participation of the entire club was an outstanding success, exceeding fundraising goals established by the board. A near capacity crowd was entertained for approximately two and a half hours. While the votes were counted, Ulysses Long, a national finalist on America’s Got Talent, performed for the crowd.
At the conclusion the judges announced the winners. First prize and a $2500 check was awarded to Hannah Stancil. Runner-up and a $1500 check went to Jonathan Dale. The Audience Favorite as voted by those in attendance and on-line was Kevin Barlowe who received a $500 check.
View the 2013 Rotarian Idol Event Program here.
1st Place Winner | Hannah Stancil |
2nd Place Winner | Jonathan Dale |
Audience Favorite | Kevin Barlowe |
Contestant photos courtesy of Rose Mary Cheek Photography.
A few of the contestant’s performances may be viewed below:
2013 Rotarian Idol Runner-Up, Jonathan Dale
Greg Suddreth
Michael Brown
Elisabeth Ballard
Leslie Cline