May 2014 Country Idol Update

The final auditions for WGNA's Country Idol at Vapor in Saratoga Casino and Raceway have concluded with 7 more finalists joining the grand competition on June 12.

The rotating panel of guest judges featured Tony Gambaro of the New York Players, GNA's Lou Roberts, and Johnny Cash tribute artist Harold Ford. The final contestants to score the highest points are as follows:

Jennifer Lochner -  Glens Falls, NY
Sara Porter - Duanesburg, NY
Amanda Rovazzini - Gloversville, NY
Lisa Middleton - Scotia, NY
Joanna Yaeger - Horseheads, NY
John Rowlands - Catskills, NY
Eddie James – Saratoga Springs, NY

A three way tie in one category led to 7 finalists for May.

The final night of Country Idol will happen on Thursday, June 12 with the top finalists from each month performing for a panel of 4 judges. The judges will once again rate each contestant 10 points on appearance, 15 points on stage presence, and 25 points on vocals.

After all the finalists perform, the top 5 scoring contestants will be invited to sing a second song that night. The judges will once again use the same scoring system to determine the $5,000 winner. A tie for first place will result in the winners splitting the cash prize.

By the way, everyone in the crowd will have a chance to win a trip to the CMA Awards to be given away that night.