Jim Fair
Mike Lowery (emcee) and Robin Byouk (director) have been sidekicks for the production of Greer Idol for the past five years. Massey returns for his sixth season and Byouk is back for her fifth year.
Julie McCombs
Sophia Noyes, center, with her friends Caroline Lynch, left, and Cathrine Lynch, during Saturday's Greer Idol auditions at the Greer Family Fest. Noyes was awarded a gold card to advance to the May 31 callbacks. She sang "Go Round And Round" by Rihanna.
Julie McCombs
Cheryl Dobson, left, and Wesley Welch share a laugh during a light moment durng the judging at the Greer Idol auditions Saturday at the Greer Family Fest.
The largest turnout for Greer Idol and Greer Idol Teen was held last weekend at the Greer Family Fest – in the rain, cold, windy conditions. And CSX Railroad added its horns to the auditions.
Forty-four singers received approval (3 of 4 judges) for the May 21 callbacks that will be held at The Davenport Event Center. Twelve singers for Teen and Idol will advance to Tunes in the Park at the City of Greer Freedom Blast on June 29 featuring The Swingin’ Medallions. The Idol winner receives $1,500 and Teen Idol $500. Ryan Wilson won 2012 Idol and Megan Watts, Idol Teen. Watts is competing on Idol this season.
Robin Byouk, supervisor for Greer Cultural Arts, is directing the Idol competition for the fifth year of its 6-years of existence. Mike Lowery is in his seventh season as emcee.
Idol Teen will be held at 6 p.m. and Greer Idol at 8 p.m. during the 5-week schedule.
Judging the auditions were Cheryl Dobson, Clara Godfrey and Wesley Welsh of the Gap Creek Singers. Trevor Coleman, an opera instructor and performer who has moved to Greer from Indiana, was the fourth judge.
The singers who earned callbacks are listed below in alphabetic order with the songs, 30-seconds, they performed. Contestants were asked to offer a second upon the judges’ request.
TEEN
Gracie Bryant
“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars
Hannah Clayton
“Next to Me” by Emeli Sande
Bethany Ghent
“Reflection” by Christina Aguilera
Jesse McAtee
“One And Only” by Adele
Anna McCleer
“The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars
Sophia Noyes
“Go Round And Around” by Rihanna
Chandler Shennan
“Jesus, Take A Wheel”
“Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson
Trinity Sparks
“Leave The Pieces” by The Wreckers
Roni Teems
“Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera
Allison Watts
“Popular” by Wicked
Kody Young
“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars
IDOL
Anri Ballew
“Feeling Good” by Michael Buble
Danny Bright
“Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn
Justin Burnett
“Changed” by Rascal Flatts
Jeremy Casada
“Let Me Down Easy” by Billy Currington
Ben Dryden
“More Than You’ll Ever Know” by Travis Tritt
Jamesia Downs
“Saving All My Love For You” by Whitney Houston
“His Eyes Are On The Sparrow” by Whitney Houston
Jarrett Forrester
“Tomorrow” by Chris Young
Judy Fowler
“Under The Boardwalk” by The Drifters
Jamie Guy
“At Last” by Etta James
Terry Haney
“It’s Only Make Believe” by Conway Twitty
Jonathan Hannon
“Wherever You Go” by Audrey Assad
David Harris
“There Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
“The Jokers” by Steve Miller
Michael Matheny
“Crocodile Rock” by Elton John
Michael McCall
“Money Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles
Kiefer Mendoza
“Some Nights” by Austin Keifer
“Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5
Stephanie Nodine
“Better Dig Duo” by The Band Perry
“Independence Day” by Martina McBride
Chelsea Norris
“Delta Dawn” by Tanya Tucker
Lorene Ohman
“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole
Brandon Owens
“It’s In My Heart” by Harvey Watkins, Jr.
Erica Pace
“Strawberry Wine” by Deanna Carter
Javy Pagan
“House Of The Rising Sun” by The Animals
Mike Patterson
“How Great Thou Art” by many
Brionah Pride
“Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John
Adam Rogers
“Not Over You” by Gavin DeGraw
Charly Anne Roper
“Merry Go ‘Round” by Kacey Musgraves
Alexa Rosenfeld
“Leave The Pieces” by The Wreckers
Kristine Sidinger
“Why They Call It Falling” by Lee Ann Womack
Maria Smith
“Just Give Me A Reason” by Pink
Denis Staton
“Break It To Me Gently” by Juice Newton
Lauren Michelle Surkaner
“Ready To Run” by Dixie Chicks
Nikita Thompson
Break Down Here by Julie Roberts
“Choices” by George Jones
Megan Watts
“The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry
Lauren Waynic
“Hopelessly Devoted to You” by Olivia Newton-John
Chase Wolfe
“Wayfaring Stranger” by Ed Sheeran