LAWRENCE CO. – Last night’s persimmon festivities saw the WQRK/ LITEFM Persimmon Idol finalists compete in a contest of talent and skill.
With amazing vocals and performances from all contestants, the judges listened to thrilling music and made their choice based on several aspects.
To start the night, last year’s Adult Division Idol Jae Parris opened the evening with a smashing rendition of “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns ‘N Roses.
The finalists were judged on a variety of categories, and the winners were announced at the conclusion.
| Vocal Category | Weight |
| Stage Presence – Pulling the audience into the performance, poise, eye contact, etc. | 20 pts. |
| Vocal Technique – Tone quality, breath support, Intonation, etc. | 30 pts. |
| Style Performance – Discipline, timing, delivery, etc. | 20 pts. |
| Word Memorization – Memory of the song | 10 pts. |
| Song Choice – how well it suited the occasion/range of the singer. | 20 pts. |
| Total Points | 100 |
The WQRK/Litefm Persimmon Idol had three judges this year, and between them more than enough talent and experience to warrant the honor.
Dawn Keller
Dawn’s been singing her whole life but won her first singing competition in 2009. In two short years, she placed first in 5 consecutive local singing competitions. She was selected as a top 10 finalist in the Ferdinand Folk Festival Singer/Songwriter contest with her original song “Everybody.”
Dawn put together her first band in 2015, Daisy & Dirt. Since then Dawn has mastered the guitar and picked up her duo partner, Rich Condol to form Whiskey & Wine. Together they have performed in the 8 Second Saloon “Battle of the Bands” finals and performed at the Scoreboard in Nashville, TN.
Emily West
Emily’s singing skills were sharpened during her 4 years in the BNL choir and she’s a self-taught musician with the guitar as her specialty. She found her passion for music and singing as a child in church. Emily has been leading and singing on Church Praise Teams for nearly 10 years, spanning the states of Indiana and Texas. Emily has kicked off important local event fundraisers in Lawrence County like the March for Babies by singing the National Anthem. She’s competed in and won local singing talent competitions like the Orleans Dogwood Idol and our own Persimmon Idol. Emily received TWO callbacks for the ever-popular TV show “The Voice.”
Joanna Kai Hackney
JoAnna is a Bedford-North Lawrence High School counselor, but you may remember her unforgettable performance in “Forever Gold”. Musically, JoAnna has entertained audiences across the Midwest with her tongue-twisted country singing, smooth melodies, and cheerful personality for years. With Kevin Hudson on the guitar, now JoAnna plays at Speakeasy Pizza, festivals, and other venues in southern Indiana.
Our 2023 Persimmon Idol Winners
Idol of the Youth Division: Hayleigh Armstrong of Springville
Hayleigh Armstrong of Springville, Indiana, is only 12 years old, but her rendition of “Set Fire To The Rain” by Adele thrilled the audience with her passion and energy.
For her skill, Hayleigh won $500, the WQRK/LITEFM Persimmon Idol Trophy, and a logo t-shirt.
Idol of the Adult Division: Neil Allen of Bedford
Neil Allen of Bedford performed “Can’t You See” by the Marshall Tucker Band on the guitar, channeling authentic country energy into his music.
For his performance, Neil also won $500 cash, the WQRK/LITEFM Persimmon Idol Trophy, and a logo t-shirt.
Those who couldn’t make the finalists’ performance truly missed out on an evening of splendid entertainment.
