Sixth Tri-State IDOL Full Of Memorable Moments

Memorable moments filled The Crescent Room at Milestones, on Evansville’s east side, on April 22 during the Sixth MEO Tri-State IDOL Gala.

• Five individual finalists and one trio offered passionate, stirring performances.
• An IDOL alumna showcased a blossoming musical career.
• The crowd created what auctioneer Jason Blue called “the quickest ‘fund-an-item’ ever.”
• One family shared its moving story of how Marian Educational Outreach has opened a new world of opportunities for one youngster.

“I had someone tell me they loved what we were doing with IDOL,” MEO Executive Director Bev Williamson told the crowd just before the finalists performed. “But they said they were concerned that we would not be able to attract strong talent from year to year. They were wrong. This group of finalists in amazing.”

What followed were a half-dozen truly remarkable performances; more about them – and the importance of the IDOL competition to young musicians – later.

On the surface, it would be easy to see the gala as nothing more than a showcase for aspiring Tri-State musicians – with a silent auction and a few live-auction items included – that raises funds for MEO.

Jenna and Paige Talbert painted a far different and more-important picture during their brief presentation, which included a video on their journey as a family.

“Paige’s story is a testament to one of the finest ministries in our diocese,” Jenna told the crowd. The youngster encountered difficulties when she started school, and a deeper look into their source led to a diagnosis of autism.

Paige was attending her parish school – Holy Rosary – and Pastor Father Bernie Etienne introduced the family to MEO and suggested the special-needs program at Annunciation Parish’s Holy Spirit campus. “Just today,” Jenna said, fighting back tears, “she stood up in front of her class and read her DARE report. She has a whole world of opportunities now. She has the classes and support she needs, and she is continuing her Catholic education.”

The Talbert family truly represents MEO’s mission: “Marian Educational Outreach is a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Evansville committed to providing opportunities for students with unique learning needs to reach their highest potential while remaining in the Catholic school system.”

MEO developed Tri-State IDOL as a fun way to raise funds; and in a way, it has become another avenue of opportunity – for the young performers who step up to the microphone.

Consider Meghan Gallagher.

She competed in IDOL a few years ago, and now has a recording available on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon. She continues to grow as a singer/songwriter, and told the crowd that IDOL helped propel her to Nashville and the chance to work with some of the best vocal and performance coaches in the Music City. She served as performance coach for the 2016 finalists, and they wowed the crowd.

• Reitz Memorial High School junior Colton Colbert led off the finals, performing “Ave Maria.”
• Trinity Cravens, a home-schooled freshman, was up next with an acoustic version of the Beatles’ “Oh Darlin’.”
• Natalie Cummings, a student at Castle High School, followed Cravens and sang “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” by Christian Aguilera.
• Castle High School senior Hanna Jaramillo performed next, singing the Christina Aguilera song “Hurt.”
• Mate Dei High School junior Stasia Reisinger performed “On My Own” from “Les Misérables.”
• The finalist performances concluded with an acoustic version of the Dolly Parton hit “Jolene” by the trio of Jessica Weinzapfel, Matt Cassidy and Emily Pfister.

Voting annually serves as part of the fundraiser, as fans purchase voted for their favorite performers, with all the proceeds going to MEO. This year, the Tri-State IDOL Committee also provided everyone in attendance at the gala to cast a free vote after the finals.

When all the votes were tallied, Reisinger captured the crown of 2016 Tri-State IDOL. Colbert finished second, and the trio of Weinzapfel, Cassidy and Pfister claimed third place.

Master of Ceremonies Mike Blake of WFIE-TV in Evansville interviewed Reisinger about the challenge she faced just hours before the gala began. “The music file for the song I had chosen wouldn’t work with the sound system, so I had to pick another song for the finals,” she explained. Her performance didn’t offer a clue to the last-minute nature of her decision.

Blake also interviewed Gallagher, who performed just before the announcement of voting results, asking her about the advice she gave the finalists. “Just before yourself,” Gallagher said she told them. “You are you, and you’re awesome!”