‘Idol’ energy in Valley

By SHELBY SCHROEDER

Area singers compete for national spotlight

Dozens turned out to move one step closer to singing stardom on national TV.

NILES — The Valley has its own wealth of singing sensations, but only one can claim “Idol” victory this year.

Tryouts for season eight of the FOX hit TV show “American Idol” were held for singers between ages 16 and 28 Thursday, and hundreds came to take part.

With the highest rating, Tara Elkins, 22, of Warren, will have her next audition in New Jersey on Aug. 19. The auditions provide one singer with $250 and a guaranteed audition in front of “Idol” producers.

More than 100 hopefuls waited in the Eastwood Mall central courtyard in the afternoon, ready to sing their way to Hollywood.

“I’m going to make it,” said Cyganna Raimey, 18, of Warren, waiting to take the stage.

Raimey said she was excited that after years of wanting to try out, she would finally be able to show her talent to the judges.

“And if I don’t make it,” she said, “then I’ll still walk off stage proudly.”

Organizers for the event, which was sponsored by FOX 17/62, 95.9 KISS-FM and MIX 98.9, allowed singing hopefuls to register throughout the competition. The number of amateur singers waiting to hear their names grew and grew.

Many were from the Youngstown area, but some traveled far from outside the state.

Cameron Simmons, 21, of New York City, decided to coordinate a family visit with the day’s tryouts.

“I could’ve [auditioned] in New York,” Simmons said. “But I didn’t think my odds there were as high.”

Friends, family and amused onlookers sat stage-front and lined storefronts to cheer on the many contestants.

“I want my daughter to feel comfortable up there,” said Leah Barber, of Youngstown, whose daughter Patricia, 17, would go on to sing a country tune for the crowd.

Early on, audio problems plagued part of the evening, which caused delays and heightened anxiety for the contestants waiting in line.

On stage, Shala Branth, 21, of Warren, stood patiently while organizers fidgeted with equipment, hoping to get her music up and running.

But tired of waiting, Branth told the impatient audience, “I’m going to see what I can do!”

Without the aid of music, she belted out the opening lines of Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’” to the crowd. They roared with shouts and applause in response.

Tara Getty, of Warren, called the woman brave.

“That’s what they’re looking for,” said Getty. “That girl does not need a back track.”

Throughout the evening, many singers came off stage with a look of stunned disbelief. Did they think they performed well? “I don’t know,” said Aleeya Moodey, 25, of Detroit. “It was like a big blur.”

Others had similar responses. They explained they were too taken aback by the moment.

Of the many auditions, four judges picked 12 to move on to a second round, where singers were given a chance to sing again. From the 12, the judges chose three.

And finally, a winner was named.

sschroeder@vindy.com