By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
FAITH — Three local singers outshined their peers Wednesday to claim the title of Faith Idol
Lilly Beaver, 10, of Kannapolis; Jordan VanVoorHis, 15, of Faith; and Virginia Rush of Salisbury took home top honors in the youth, junior and adult divisions of the annual competition.
They each received a $500 check courtesy of the event sponsors F&M Bank.
The contest was judged by the Rev. Randy Conley, Jeff Cauble, Matthew Causey, April Bradshaw and Karon Goble.
Members of the audience rose to their feet following Rush’s rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.”
“Her voice range is just out of this world,” Goble said.
Conley agreed that Rush had “incredible range,” but he was most impressed by her passion.
“She just melted into that song,” he said. “It became part of her.”
Rush said she’s thrilled to win the title and the money.
“It was definitely needed,” she said. “I’m sure my husband and I can figure out ways to spend it.”
Rush said she’s been dipping her toes back into performing after a bit of a hiatus.
“I used to sing a lot when I was younger, but as I got older I kind of dropped off,” she said. “I’m trying to get back into it.”
VanVoorHis performed Taylor Swift’s “The Best Day” while strumming along on her acoustic guar.
“Simplicity worked for her,” Conley said. “She sang a simple song, played well and had a balanced voice.”
Conley called Lilly’s performance of Katharine McPhee’s “Let Me Be Your Star” the “total package.”
“She had so much poise and confidence,” he said. “It was amazing to see a 10-year-old have that kind of control over her voice.”
Lilly, who typically sings at church, said she was excited to be crowned a Faith Idol. She’s planning to buy a new doll and share her winnings with her mother.
Competitions for each division were held before Wednesday to determine the finalists.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.
Twitter: twitter.com/posteducation
Facebook: facebook.com/Sarah.SalisburyPost