'Idol' supporters play their role at competition

Getting out the vote seems to come easy for the Penrod family of Jackson.

A career in politics might be a path Marcy Penrod and her 13-year-old son, Anthony, want to consider judging by the large contingent they were able to rally to their cause Wednesday night at the SEMO District Fair's sixth annual Heartland Idol karaoke competition.

Both Penrods competed in the competition and with them they brought about 50 supporters, half of them clad in neon green shirts with "Go Anthony & Marcy" printed on the front.

On the back: "People Everywhere Know Marcy's Our Idol," one letter in each word capitalized to created the name "PENROD."

The 50 Penrod supporters were part of an estimated 2,400 in attendance for the contest. Most of them had someone to support in the contest, judging by the loud applause that followed each of the 11 youth contestants taking part in the contest.

The contestants aren't big stars yet, but their fans seem to think so.

"They all have their own little cheering sections," Whitney Thomas said as she stood just feet away from the Penrods' green-clad supporters.

Like the Penrods, 16-year-old of Jackson Alex Turner also had her own cheering section of about 30 people. But they had signs with Alex's name on them. After her performance of "Kerosene" by Miranda Lambert, those supporters were giddy, fueled by the excitement of the contest.

"I told everybody at work about it," said father Doug Turner, beaming with pride.

With the increasing popularity of talent shows like "American Idol," the fair's own Heartland Idol competition has also grown. Thomas said this year's contest was possibly the best-attended yet. The large attendance comes in a year when two former "American Idol" contestants, Josh Gracin and Bo Bice, will take the same stage for concerts Friday and Saturday.

In addition to the 11 youths, age 17 and under, 13 adults won entry to compete in a separate contest. One youth contestant won a $500 savings bond, while one adult won $1,000. The aspiring stars entertained the crowd with everything from Motown classics to contemporary country and pop hits.

One winner was selected in each category by audience vote with the help of some commentary by a "celebrity panel." For the youth contest that panel included Tom Durham, band director at St. Vincent's school in Perryville; last year's youth winner Kiley Elder; and retired Jackson music educator Jean Schweain.

Anthony Penrod's choice was "ABC" by The Jackson Five. He took the stage first, nerves rattling in his first Heartland Idol.

"I know I'd hate to be Taylor Hicks," Anthony said, referring to last season's "American Idol" winner.

For Anthony, Hicks is something of a new American hero. He loves to recite Hicks' rallying cry, "Soul Patrol."

This year Anthony wouldn't follow in his idol's footsteps. Kevin Harbison, 15, of Matthews, Mo., won the youth contest and the $500 savings bond with his performance of R. Kelly's "I Believe."

The panel said his voice was more than that of a 15-year-old. But like most of the others he shifted around nervously on stage while the panel talked to him, meekly saying "thanks" to their comments.

It was obvious that for all his talent, Kevin was still a youngster. And like Anthony Penrod and Alex Turner, he still has years left to sing.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182