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Neosho, Mo. —
Courtney Olsen didn’t think she was going to win.
The Racine singer signed up for Newton County Fair Idol Challenge, sang her set early in the competition, got a funnel cake for dinner and then watched the rest of the competition from the back bleachers.
When they called the top two contestants she was surprised, but when she was named winner her jaw dropped.
“I am shocked,” Olsen said. “I really thought he would win.”
Second place went to Rob Halley, recent winner of Downstream Casino’s “American Idol”-style contest. As the two finalists were climbing the stairs, Halley leaned over to Olsen and told her it was “just like old times.”
After the contest Halley said he still felt good about his singing ability, joking that he beat Olsen two out of the three times they sang against each other.
He came from Springfield to compete in the contest, the fair entertainment committee asked him because of his Downstream success. He brought family, co-workers and friends from Springfield to the event and says he sings a lot of karaoke.
“I had a good night,” Halley said.
He sang “Don’t stop the Feeling” because whether they love country, rock, pop or jazz many people identify with the song.
“That’s what these are all about – getting the crowd going,” Halley said.
Judges said the contest was close. Debate was supposed to take 10 minutes, but the crowd waited 20 while they counted and recounted the votes taken during the competition. Contestants were judged on their singing ability, stage presence and crowd interaction.
The last-minute contest pulled in a big audience.
Thirteen contestants entertained the crowd during Newton County Fair Idol Challenge, which lured contestants from Joplin, Carthage and Columbus, Kan.
Neosho’s Casey Welch made a strong appearance singing “Broken Wing.” There was a whirlwind banjo appearance by Daniel Shilling and Phil Stapp brought out the Granby crowd with his “Rockabilly” version of “Move it on Over.”
After her Newton County success Olsen is considering trying for “American Idol.” Her mom used to take her to talent shows and she made the top 25 in the Downstream contest, but not the top three. Two days ago she found out about the fair competition and since she was going to be at the fair anyhow she decided to enter.
Olsen loves to sing and although she gets nervous before performing, getting in front of a crowd gives her an adrenaline rush.
“It’s the best and the worst feeling in the world,” she said. “It’s nerve wracking, but it’s fun.”
Courtney Olsen didn’t think she was going to win.
The Racine singer signed up for Newton County Fair Idol Challenge, sang her set early in the competition, got a funnel cake for dinner and then watched the rest of the competition from the back bleachers.
When they called the top two contestants she was surprised, but when she was named winner her jaw dropped.
“I am shocked,” Olsen said. “I really thought he would win.”
Second place went to Rob Halley, recent winner of Downstream Casino’s “American Idol”-style contest. As the two finalists were climbing the stairs, Halley leaned over to Olsen and told her it was “just like old times.”
After the contest Halley said he still felt good about his singing ability, joking that he beat Olsen two out of the three times they sang against each other.
He came from Springfield to compete in the contest, the fair entertainment committee asked him because of his Downstream success. He brought family, co-workers and friends from Springfield to the event and says he sings a lot of karaoke.
“I had a good night,” Halley said.
He sang “Don’t stop the Feeling” because whether they love country, rock, pop or jazz many people identify with the song.
“That’s what these are all about – getting the crowd going,” Halley said.
Judges said the contest was close. Debate was supposed to take 10 minutes, but the crowd waited 20 while they counted and recounted the votes taken during the competition. Contestants were judged on their singing ability, stage presence and crowd interaction.
The last-minute contest pulled in a big audience.
Thirteen contestants entertained the crowd during Newton County Fair Idol Challenge, which lured contestants from Joplin, Carthage and Columbus, Kan.
Neosho’s Casey Welch made a strong appearance singing “Broken Wing.” There was a whirlwind banjo appearance by Daniel Shilling and Phil Stapp brought out the Granby crowd with his “Rockabilly” version of “Move it on Over.”
After her Newton County success Olsen is considering trying for “American Idol.” Her mom used to take her to talent shows and she made the top 25 in the Downstream contest, but not the top three. Two days ago she found out about the fair competition and since she was going to be at the fair anyhow she decided to enter.
Olsen loves to sing and although she gets nervous before performing, getting in front of a crowd gives her an adrenaline rush.
“It’s the best and the worst feeling in the world,” she said. “It’s nerve wracking, but it’s fun.”
