Brittany Pridemore ended an impressive Greer Idol competition Saturday evening at the Greer Memorial Freedom Blast with an impressive rendition of "God Bless America".
Ammadezia Styles sang "Bleed Red" by Ronnie Dunn. Her striking red dress also caught the eye of the judges.
Ryan Wilson sang a selection from “Chess The Musical”, a play performed in Europe with lyrics by Tim Rice.
The judging panel, left to right, were Perry Williams (CPW Commissioner), Kay Young (piano and voice instructor), Miles Nason (Langston-Black) and J. Dew (Greenville Drive).
Kay Young, a piano and voice instructor, gave a compliment of approval of Wolfe’s performance. “Thank you so much. That was so heart-rendering,” Young said.
Wolfe introduced the song with a message. “This is for all those people who paid the ultimate cost for a kid like me,” he said.
J. Dew told Wolfe the song matched his vocals. Perry Williams (CPW Commissioner) and Miles Nason (Langston-Black) completed the 4-judge panel.
The eight finalists, performing in 103 degree temperature with a 113 heat index, performed patriotic songs for the Freedom Blast celebration of July 4 Independence Day.
Two more singers will be eliminated from this week’s field with six advancing to next Friday’s round that will be held at its regular location at Victoria and Trade street. Rhythm and Blues from Motown is the theme for Friday’s songs. The competitors will sing complete songs.
Judges suggested the high quality of the talent is making it more difficult to pare the field.
Husband and wife Jeremy and Lauren McCall captivated the hundreds attending Idol in oppressive heat. Lauren told the judges, “This week was very tough. It’s hard to find a good girl patriotic song.” She sang “Everyday America” and it was well received by the audience.
Young asked Jeremy if his selection, “America” by Toby Keith was his life story, for his passionate performance. He told Young it was. Lauren and Jeremy’s children were sitting in front of the stage cheering their parents during the performances.
Ammadezia Styles, a contestant last year, brought back a memory of her performance to Bleed Red by Ronnie Dunn. “I was a judge here one time last year and I believe I heard that same song,” Dew said. “It was better than what I remember.” Styles, wearing a red dress, acknowledged the song was performed last year.
Ryan Wilson introduced the judges and crowd to a little known selection from “Chess The Musical”, a play performed in Europe with lyrics by Tim Rice. “It was well done and a fabulous rendition,” Perry said. Nason agreed. “It was a great song and you had a great presentation.”
Brittany Pridemore ended the competition with “God Bless America”. Young summed up Pridemore’s performance. “It’s a great way to end the evening.”
Wally Dreesen
"America", by many
"Battle Hymn of the Republic" by many
Lauren McCall
"Everyday America" by Sugarland
Doug Allen
"Proud To Be An American" by Lee Greenwood
Jeremy McCall
"Made In America" by Toby Keith
Ammadezia Styles
"Bleed Red" by Ronnie Dunn
Chase Wolfe
"If You’re Reading This" by Tim McGraw
Ryan Wilson
"Another from The Musical Chess", Tim Rice lyrics
Brittany Pridemore
"God Bless America", by many