Talent is plentiful in Seneca.
This year’s Seneca Idol boasted 26 acts, from division one winner Caleb Cook, who wowed the judges with his dance moves and Uncle Sam costume to ballads and country and more than one family act.
Sister and brother Shelby and Jonathan Keith performed a duet to take second place in division two. Shelby entered the last Idol contest two years ago, but didn’t place.
“I think our best comes out together,” she said.
She’s 17 and he’s 15. Both play guitar. They decided to enter because they love to sing.
“We love music, we’ve been big fans all our lives,” Shelby said.
“We’re thankful for the talent God’s given us,” Jonathan added.
Contestants had a variety of reasons for entering.
“My family encouraged me to do it just because they thought I had a good voice,” said Brooke Granger.
But the chance to win $500 was definitely an inducement. She has a baby on the way. Next year, Granger said, she might try again. She took third place in division three.
Ashleyanne Williams said with God’s help she did her best. She also joined the competition hoping for a chance at the $500.
“I’m turning 16 and I need to fix my car,” Williams said.
Mackensie Powers came in second in division one. Her grandfather traveled from Tulsa to play the guitar for her act.
“I wish I would have gotten first, but second is good enough,” Powers said.
She loves to sing pop music and is thinking about next year.
“My future plans are to try to be a famous pop star,” Powers said.
Each year the talent just gets better, said Doc McCready, event organizer.
“It gets tougher to judge each year,” he said.
He estimated an audience of 300-350 people. They had to put out more chairs on the gym floor.
“To put on a show this size it takes a lot of people in the production of it,” McCready said.
There were 26 entries. Two years ago at the last contest there were 23. This is the third time Seneca has hosted the event.
McCready said he hopes to help others reach their musical goals.
“This is one of my passions, this is one of my son’s passions – music,” McCready said.
The grand prize winner was James Redden of Miami singing Rascal Flatts’ “Here Comes Goodbye.”
Music, he said, is his life. He also sings with an award-winning group at his church.
Redden just returned from Dallas where he auditioned for the TV show “American Idol.”
