JACKSON WOMAN TAKES FIRST IN GOSPEL PERFORMANCE CONTEST

Robyn Hosp admitted it. A consummate professional used to performing in front of audiences large and small, she was nervous.

But as Hosp stepped on the Show Me Center stage Saturday afternoon to perform in the Heartland Homecoming '99 talent shootout, confidence returned, and she won.

As first place finisher, Hosp opened the concert that featured dozens of professional gospel performers.

The Gaither Video Artists production drew a crowd of 3,172 to Cape Girardeau.

Hosp took the stage, wiped aside a few tears of joy, and told the crowd that she hopes to do God's work. "When He says `Feed my sheep,' I think what he means for me to do is sing," she said.

Second place went to Final Authority, a men's quartet from Sullivan, Mo., and third place went to Sherry LaFontaine, a soprano from Cherokee Ridge, Ark.

Before the decision of the judges was final, Hosp confided, "No matter what happens, I'll still be Robyn from Jackson. It's just been an honor to have performed here today. We've seen extraordinary talent and a lot of beautiful spirits."

Hosp, who lives in Jackson, is a regular performer at her church and for dinner theater productions locally.

"When I read about this opportunity, I just truly felt God was telling me to do it," she said. "It certainly was a wonderful opportunity right here in Cape Girardeau."

Also capturing the spotlight for part of the contest was 9-year-old Andrea Penzel from Jackson.

The only child to perform in the competition, Penzel expressed her own brand of young confidence.

"I'm not nervous," she said before she belted out two gospel songs. "I want to sing for Jesus."

She started singing at age 2. Her first gospel song was "Jesus Loves Me."

"I've been singing ever since," she said. "I hope to be a professional gospel singer."

Andrea is the daughter of Phil and Sandy Penzel of Jackson.

Dressed in a tuxedo, Shane Steck of Cape Girardeau wanted to make sure he put his best look with his best music.

He performed a piano solo that included "Because He Lives," "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," and "When We All Get to Heaven."

"I want to play the piano and serve God at the same time," Steck explained. "This competition will give me some exposure. If you win, it's a bonus."

He decided to wear the tuxedo after a preliminary competition held in May when he received a 7 of 10 for appearance on the score card.

"I decided to give it all I've got," he said Saturday.

The talent show contestants weren't the only local performers.

A 200-voice choir that performed during the evening included many local singers.

In addition to performing during the concert, choir members got a lesson from musician and choir director Ben Speer.

The Heartland Homecoming Concert is a Gaither musical production, billed as the biggest single day of Christian music acts in the nation.

Concert promoter Wade Cardwell worried through technical troubles and artist arrivals. He made a brief appearance on stage to thank sponsors and supporters and those who attended.

"We are praying we can make this an annual event," he said.