2012 Country Idol Finalists [VIDEO]

Vapor at Saratoga Casino and Raceway welcomed some of the best performers in the Albany area to the big stage on Thursday, June 21 for the 2012 Country Idol Finals.

Nearly 1,000 people packed one of the Northeast's finest performance venues to watch the area's best singers compete for $5,000 and the title of WGNA's 'Country Idol.'  An enthusiastic crowd, armed with banners and signs to support their favorites, packed Vapor from the dance floor to the balcony.

The top 5 contestants were thrilled to be on the big stage, complete with professional concert sound and lighting, no matter where they placed in the final scoring.  Immediately after the competition some of the finalists posted the following comments about the experience.

Lisa Bloomer Middleton: Last night was amazing! Vapor was packed! So many talented singers... and I couldn't believe I made the top 5. I was the oldest person on the stage at the end. Sad... but true. Lol! When all was said and done, I came away with a third place finish and a LOT of new friends. Thank you Scott Blaine, Jay Yager, Richie Phillips, Rita Cox and Kevin Richards for for allowing me to do my "thang" and praising me for it! Ha ha! Sabrina Grogan from Massachusettes won the competition as soon as she opened her mouth... WOW! Congratulations to all the singers. It was a memorable evening and I am sooooo looking forward to next year!

Loreal Lavigna: Thank you again to everyone who attended last night. I could not have done this without my friends, family, and everyone who truly means the world to me! Extra special thanks to the staff at vapor nightclub in the Saratoga casino gaming and Raceway and WGNA for putting on yet another simply amazing contest! Thank you to the judges for all of your feedback and comments.

Watch the Top 5 Contestants Announced