March 28, 2024
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Brewer teenager a Maine ‘Idol’

BANGOR – More than 30 amateur vocalists took to the stage at the Bangor Mall Saturday afternoon, hoping for a shot at pop stardom during WVII-7 and Fox’s Eastern Maine Idol competition, but only one, a 17-year-old Brewer High School senior, will be headed to the next level of competition 10 days from now.

The winner, Taylor DiFrederico, wowed the judges and audience alike with her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” She receives an all-expenses paid trip to the national auditions in Rutherford, N.J., on Aug. 19 for the wildly popular Fox television program “American Idol.”

“I’m so excited,” said DiFrederico, who competed in last year’s Idol competition, but did not win. “I’ve only been preparing for this for a week, but I think it sounded pretty good. I’m kind of overwhelmed.”

The contest drew singers from all over the area. Each competitor performed for 60 seconds during the first round with song choices ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd and Toby Keith to Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt. Ten finalists were selected, and each had to perform a complete song during the second round.

Competitors were judged on singing ability, personal style and stage presence. DiFrederico, with her black-streaked blond hair and impressively dexterous vocal chops, had all the necessary elements to be named the Eastern Maine Idol. She counts Christina Aguilera as a personal favorite, but stated that she’s not too picky when it comes to what she likes to sing.

“I’ll sing anything that sounds good,” she said.

eburnham@bangordailynews.net

990-8270


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