MITCHELL – There were seven vying for this year’s WQRK Southern Indiana’s Classic Hits & Litefm Persimmon Idol.
It was a close competition. Karston Brim is this year’s 2021 WQRK/ Litefm Persimmon Idol. He awed and inspired the audiance and judges with his rendition of “Here Goes My Life” by Kenney Chesney.
Brim took home a the Idol trophy, a $500 cash prize and an opportunity to perform as an opening act for a future show at the Mitchell Opera House.
Karston plans on singing country music professionally with the goal of making it to Nashville, Tennessee.
Karston plays locally at several locations and at many community events. He also plays gospel music with his father Billy Brim, who is a local minister at several churches.
Six others shared the stage with Brim. Clarence Brown spread the message of love with Whitney Houston’s song “The Greatest Love of All”. Brown dedicated the song in memory of his daughter who recently passed away. He requested the crowd make sure to tell their loved ones, they were loved.
Troy King sang Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA”. The crowd got out of their seats saluting the USA.
The ladies did an outstanding job performing. Dawn Keller sang ” Burning Love” and Christina Bell sang “I’d Rather Go Blind”.
2021 WQRK/Litefm Persimmon Idol Finalists:
- Pali Gap – “Cover Me Up”
- Christian Bell – “I’d Rather Go Blind”
- Clarence Brown – “The Greatest Love of All”
- Dawn Keller – “Burning Love”
- Taylor Carter – “Freight Train”
- Troy King – “God Bless The USA”
- Karston Brim – “There Goes My Life”
This year’s judges included David Vanlandingham a 32-year-old singer/songwriter, worship pastor, and father of seven children in a beautiful blended family. Vanlandingham has performed in front of executive producers of big named TV shows and recorded several albums, winning multiple awards and competitions including the best songwriter of the International Christian Film and Music Festival.
Tammy Weider, from Bloomington, had a love of music at a very early age, and in her high school career began performing solo acts at Little Nashville Opry and The Red Barn in Nashville, Indiana. While devoting her time to her children took priority, she is now working with her son as manager and producer of teen artists, Derrick Weider and Olivia Doyle who perform around Indiana.
Tim Thompson has more than 25 years of experience working with vocalists and musicians. Tim currently serves as Worship Pastor of the Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with campuses in Bedford and Bloomington. Tim has led worship services all over the globe including Thailand, Indonesia, South America, and the UK.
The WQRK/Litefm 2021 Persimmon Idol was well attended and was an exciting event to add to the 74th Persimmon Festival.
