The First-Ever Wellington Idol Competition
By Danny Smith
On Saturday, February 11th, the “first-ever” Wellington Idol talent competition was held at the Wellington Amphitheater. Twelve contestants competed for the title of Wellington Idol after having been narrowed down from a Semi-Finalist performance that took place the previous evening.
Contestants ranged in ages from age eleven to adult. The competition was divided into three divisions based on the ages of the contestants. The Grand Prize winner of Wellington Idol received a $750 cash prize as well as a full scholarship sponsored by Talent Inc. to attend the Talent Inc. National Talent Conference & Showcase at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort in March – a prize valued at $1,950! This conference will afford the Wellington Idol winner the ability to perform in front of 25 top talent agencies. Three Runners-Up were awarded $250 in cash.
The Finals can be seen on Comcast Channel 18.
The Semi-Finalists for Wellington Idol were:
Lexi Graves
Johanna and Elaina
Marcedes Mathis
Tammy Smith
Andrew Spinelli
D’Anthony and Bobby
Ashley Goodman
Lexi Luca
Morgan Parker
Alissa Sanchez
Cara Young
Chelsea Jean-Micheal
After an amazing performance by each contestant, the judges, Rocky Duvall, John Stevens and Earleen Carey Marlow, awarded the winners.
The Grand Prize Winner: Cara Young
The Runners-Up: Lexi Graves, Lexi Luca and Drew Spinelli
I had the opportunity to interview the winners.
Cara Young (Age 14):
Danny: When did you start your musical career?
Cara: I started singing in chorus in third grade. My teacher told me I had a gift so I joined the Spotlight for Young Musicians program.
Danny: Who inspires you?
Cara: My sister Shelby. She chased after her dreams as an actress.
Danny: What would you say about the competition so far?
Cara: Everyone is really talented. Everyone’s a threat.
Danny: Anything you’d like to add on a personal note?
Cara: I’ve just been trying to have fun and enjoy the experience.
(View Cara Young’s final performance on YouTube: http://youtu.be/4Or7KBG_xBk).
Lexi Graves (Age 12):
Danny: When did you start your musical career?
Lexi: I started singing in 2nd grade in the Christmas shows, but one year our school decided to do a play and I got the lead part.
Danny: Who inspires you?
Lexi: Taylor Swift because she chased her dreams and because she plays guitar while she’s singing.
Danny: What would you say about the competition so far?
Lexi: This is my 2nd competition and I’m having fun. It’s like the actual American Idol.
Danny: Anything you’d like to add on a personal note?
Lexi: I think this is a great way for the community to dance and sing and get exposure.
Lexi Luca (Age 15):
Danny: When did you start your musical career?
Lexi: I started singing at a wedding when I was 2. Professionally, I started performing when I was 11.
Danny: Who inspires you?
Lexi: Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, my family, and my fans.
Danny: What would you say about the competition so far?
Lexi: There’s so much talent, and everyone should be reminded of that.
Danny: Anything you’d like to add on a personal note?
Lexi: Good luck to everyone.
(View Lexi Luca’s finals performance on YouTube: http://youtu.be/2wSx3DqCb1E).
Andrew Spinelli (Age 20):
Danny: When did you start your musical career?
Andrew: I started singing at a young age, but I really pursued it starting 4 years ago.
Danny: Who inspires you?
Andrew: My Mom and Dad.
Danny: What would you say about the competition so far?
Andrew: I’m so nervous but I’m also really excited.
Danny: Anything you’d like to add on a personal note?
Andrew: I would do this again for sure.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
Danny Smith is a member of the Journalism and Literary Class “Lit Mag” at Wellington High School where he is a junior. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta the national math honor society. He has diverse interests, including being a cartoonist and an experienced guitarist.