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2007 Amateur Idol March 15-16.
Jenkins wins first Loranger Amateur Idol contest .
Dennis “DT” Thomas of Hammond and Brandy Hotard of Port Allen share second place.
LORANGER—And then there was one … After over 50 auditions, a top 21 selection,
and then a top seven
CHARMING AS EVER— Former “American Idol” contestant Mikalah Gordon shown here with a child from
the audience “stole the show” Friday night with her beauty and personality. |
selection, Covington’s Michelle Jenkins emerged as the
unanimous choice for the Loranger 2007 Amateur Idol winner. Jenkins will travel
to Nashville to record a CD, a grand prize worth $2,000.
The judges which included former “American Idol” contestants
Lindsey Cardinale and Mikalah Gordon along with Marguerite Perrin of “Trading Spouses”
fame and country singer Stephen Cochran were in complete agreement on the winner,
but could not decide on second place. Thus, Dennis “DT” Thomas of Hammond and
Brandy Hotard of Port Allen shared second place. Both will received six hours
of time with a recording studio in Amite.
Michelle Jenkins is a Covington resident and has been
singing since she was a child. Her favorite singer is Celine Dion. She is the music
director and worship leader at her church and has done this for several years.
Michelle rocked the gymnasium with her magnificent vocal abilities and won the
audience as well as the judges over with her genuine love for singing.
Dennis Thomas (aka “DT”) is a resident of Hammond and is quite
the entertainer. Showing up with wardrobe changes, DT was ready for anything.
DT has been singing since age 14 and accumulated several favorite artists,
including Jamie Fox, Elvis, and Usher. He has competed in numerous contests
including, the Buzz Karaoke contest (which he won), and the Southeastern Star
LOCAL FAVORITE—Lindsey Cardinale of Ponchatoula and Idol Fame shares her
comments about a performance Friday night. |
(which he placed 2nd). He considers his grandfather as his hero. DT
entertained everyone and was quite the crowd pleaser keeping everyone on the
edge of their seats wondering what he was going to do next. His ability
to entertain is certainly a talent that will take him places.
Brandy Hotard is a resident of Port Allen, LA and has
been singing since the age of three. Her favorite artist is Faith Hill and
loves the American Idol judge Randy because he is from Baton Rouge. In 2004,
Brandy placed in the top 60 for the American Idol tryouts both in New
Orleans and again in Memphis. She was an entertainer for the 2004 Miss
Louisiana Pageant and has had vocal training since the age of twelve.
Brandy caught the audiences attention not only with her beautiful voice
but with her bright beautiful smile as well.
The event was a huge success for the Loranger Recreation District.
Accounting sources revealed on Friday night that close to $15,000 had been raised. The money
will be used to build baseball and softball fields at the Loranger Park. Plans are already under
way to work towards doing a second Idol contest next year.
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The Top 7 Finalists
Brooke Liuzza
Michelle Jenkins
Brittany Jenkins
Dennis "DT" Thomas
Brandy Hotard
Justin Adams
Trent Campbell
Photography & Graphic Design
by Gary Lee of BonideÉ
1-800-276-3371
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