Record crowd attends the event's fifth week

Staff Writer

rseaborn@pickenssentinel.com

LIBERTY - More than 2,000 people filled the main streets of Liberty's business district Saturday night as the city's popular musical competition continued gathering momentum as Liberty Idol entered its fifth week.

"There could be over 6,000 people attending the final night," City of Liberty Mayor Brian Deese said. "By the thirteenth week, there will be 50 to 60 thousand people coming into Liberty.

"This is how the hospitality tax funds should be used - bringing people to Liberty," he said.

Saturday night's event marked the first time this season that the audience began having a vote in which of the talented contenders moved forward in the competition and who's dream of owning the title of Liberty Idol would end, Deese said.

"The entertainment is awesome," he said. "There is a 12-year-old singing who's voiced will just blow you away and a young man's performance of 'Three Times a Lady' was amazing."

Roy Costner, of Costner Entertainment and coordinator of Liberty Idol, described Saturday's performances as "unbelievable."

"This was an incredible evening," he said. "The crowd was huge and the (singers) were incredible."

Costner estimated the number attended Saturday's event was closer to 3,000 people.

"Only a portion of the crowd can be seen from where the mayor sits," he said. "But just around the corner, the crowds seems endless."

During each competition, the audience is now able to vote for their favorite performers of the 16 taking the stage, he said. At the end of the evening, it is announced which eight performers would continue in the competition and the eight singers will go home.

Ballots cast during the competition are counted by volunteers that night, allowing the announcement to be made of those selected for another appearance, he said.

"Only 16 people compete each Saturday now, and by 9:15 p.m. it's done," he said.

"Volunteers count the ballots while the crowds enjoy other things, like this week, we had a twist competition. We also have giveaways or something for children.

"Time passes quickly and then we are able to call everyone back on stage and announce the winners for that night," he said.

Sixteen other performers will take the stage Saturday evening to vie for the title and several cash prizes. The May 17 singers include: Amanda Gossett, Angela Seaborn, Cayce Franklin, Derek Brackett, Erick Lavonie, Jennifer Johnson, Kim Saylors, Megan Taylor, Pan Jennings, Robert Gargiulo, Thomas Coleman, Lauren Vaughn, Tracy Lewandowski, Brittany Blackwell, Kendall Moore and Kayla Maw.

Deese said that everyone should attend at least one performance of Liberty Idol for not only the performances by talented area singers, but also for the simple down-home pleasure of the event.

"It's just a good family outing," he said.