Kayla Sarro Wins Country Idol 2013

The Northeast's premier talent search concluded June 20, 2013 with a new Country Idol winner, Kayla Sarro of Saratoga, New York.

After 5 months of auditions, the top 25 scoring contestants were invited to perform at the finals. The distinguished panel of rotating judges included Richie and Dorrie Phillips (GNA), Marian Carter (GNA), and Joe Kulewicz (Skeeter Creek). Contestants were scored on appearance (10 points), stage presence (15 points), and vocals (25 pionts). After the top 25 was narrowed down to the top 5, the final remaining hopefuls got one more shot on the big stage. In the end, Kayla Sarro of Saratoga Springs received the highest score from the final round and was crowned Country Idol 2013 with a $5,000 grand prize.

As usual, Vapor was packed to capacity for the finale, and some of the best talent in the Northeast had a few minutes to shine in the spotlight. Although every contestant deserves credit for receiving an invitation to the finals, below are your top 5 finalists. As a reminder, there will be a special Country Idol reunion concert on Thursday, October 10, 2013- where winners and finalists, who made the cut at all 3 seasons of the $5,000 competition, will be invited to entertain on the big stage at Vapor.

Honorable mention goes out to 6th place finisher Christine Wait, who missed the top 5 by just a few points. Wait delivered one of the most emotional songs of the night, 'Coat Of Many Colors' by Dolly Parton. The delightful singer performed the song with genuine grace and 'southern charm.' As a matter of fact, Wait was almost moved to tears herself when she received a standing ovation.

Top 5 2013 Country Idol Finalists

Mike Bear- 'When Love Finds You' by Vince Gill and 'Footloose' by Blake Shelton