Street Fair Idol contestants took center stage Saturday.
By SYDNEY KENT
The third time was the charm for this year’s Bluffton Street Fair Idol winner, Thomas Garza.
Garza earned the first place spot — and the $700 prize — on Saturday night with an original composition, “Tread Lightly.” The rap included a back-and-forth conversation with Garza’s actual 11-year-old voice.
Plenty of people in the crowd were excited to see the Bluffton native, who took home second place in 2023 and third place in 2022.
“Great job,” judge Ryan Lehnertz said. “From last year to this year — it’s leaps and bounds. I don’t say that lightly.”
Garza said he first began writing lyrics in fifth grade and started rapping the following year. He plans to finish his degree in audio engineering at Ball State University in the future.
“I’m going to keep chasing rap and going for it,” Garza said after the show on Saturday. “I work for an entertainment company in Fort Wayne and they help me a lot. I want to keep growing and going after it.”
Emily Edmiston, who also competed last year, took home second place singing “Power of Love” by Celine Dion. Edmiston’s show choir roots shined bright as she kept her composure, smile and tone on point throughout the entire act. She was commended on her breath control.
Jessica Clark, another Idol veteran, started the show with high expectations after a near-flawless delivery of “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone. Clark’s strong voice and wide range earned her third place — and the $200 that comes with the honor.
Though Garza will not be eligible to compete next year after winning first place, longtime emcee Rick Elwell said that fans may have a chance to see Garza perform during the judge’s deliberation time next year.
“As someone who started my career in hip hop,” Lehnertz said after the show. “It’s great to see an artist from a small town like Bluffton pursuing his passion and doing the genre justice.”
Along with Lehnertz, Annika Bovender and Jaime Macklin, all returned as judges for the competition this year. Elwell and Dayle Mentzer elicited plenty of laughter as the emcees.
Other performers Saturday night were, in order of appearance: Desarae Barnes sang “Why Don’t You Do Right” by Peggy Lee.
Kendra Mounsey from Liberty Center was a powerhouse as she sang “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” by Linda Ronstadt.
V Riley from Ossian sang “And I Am Telling You” from the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls.” Elwell quipped that her voice could be heard from her small town.
Gabi Bilbrey from Dunkirk performed “Rude” by MAGIC! with what judges called the perfect pitch — and a Hulk-themed electric guitar.
Sherry Rupright from Salina, Kansas sang “Rolling In The Deep” by Adele.
Eric Williams from Fort Wayne had the audience singing along with his performance of “Meet Virginia” by Train on his purple acoustic guitar.
“We just wanted a singing competition,” Elwell said, referring to the beloved event. “I’m so stoked we’re still here 15 years later doing this.”
sydney@news-banner.com
