Gila Idol 2026


January 29, 2026
Valley Furniture
350 Armory Road, Safford
6:30 pm		Judges
2025 Winner Timothy Fox
2008 Winner Adam Crohn
2017 Winner Darryn Kamae

Performers
2025 Winner Timothy Fox
2018 Winner Pete McCormick
Contestants
1. Erin Abril
2. Cheyenne Clark
3. Jocelyn Cobos
4. Mariah Tuerr-Alternate
5. Judy Good
6. Terry McClendon
7. Jesus Ramero-Call Back
8. Sam Colwell-FINALIST
9. Aeryn Tellez
10. Liberty Bush
11. Kaydence Perry-FINALIST
12. Rhiannon Rose
13. Cherish Lazarus-Call Back
14. Scarlett Witriol-FINALIST

February 5, 2026
The Venue on Main
430 W Main Street, Safford
6:30 pm		Judges
2008 Winner Adam Crohn
2018 Winner Pete McCormick
2011 Winner Sharon Montoya


Performers
2008 Winner Adam Crohn
2016 Winner Bri DeRusha
Matheson Music

Contestants
1. Madison Jarvis-Alternate
2. Jake Richardson-FINALIST
3. Bobbi Callison
4. Reid Cox
5. Lilly Peterson
6. Marie Nicholson-FINALIST
7. Ky Brimhall-FINALST
8. Charles Clark
9. Skai Wahl Mendez-Callback
10. Lila Milar-Callback
11. Tanner Hudman
12. Scott Meyer
13. Marlee Redford-Alternate
(line up subject to change)

February 12, 2026
Graham County Fairgrounds
6:30 pm		Judges
2008 Winner Adam Crohn
2017 Winner Darryn Kamae
2016 Winner Bri DeRusha


Performers
Matheson Music		Contestants
1. Abby Abigail
2. Isaak Chacon-Call Back
3. Chaz Ornelaz-FINALIST
4. Casidy Crosby-FINALIST
5. Charlynn Wilhelm
6. Maria Clark
7. Kenni Donaldson
8. Camden Bryce-FINALIST
9. Emma Lamereaux-Call Back
10. Caddy Bigler
11. Vanessa Richins-Alternate
12. Tanner Hudman
(Line up subject to change)


February 19, 2026
Morenci Club
6:30 pm		Judges
2018 Winner-Pete McCormick
2016 Winner Bri Baxter



Performers
Bri and Joe Baxter
Contestants
1. Emily Lewis-Call Back
2. Abigail Spitzer-FINALIST
3. Jessica Harris
4. Jordan Mathews-FINALIST
5. Justin Michaud
6. Elana Moore
7. Grant Wearne-Alternate
8. Callie Walters-FINALIST
9. Phylicia Ruiz
10. Desert Moore
11. Bethany Gojkovich
12. Dale Creyton
(lineup subject to change)


February 26, 2026
Manor 415
415 E Hwy 70, Safford
6:30 pm		Judges
2008 Winner Adam Crohn
2017 Winner Darryn Kamae
2018 Winner Pete McCormick

Performers
2017 Winner Darryn Kamae
THS Quintets
Contestants
1. Audrey Wahl
2. Chaleese Rojas-Call Back
3. Maya Allred-FINALIST
4. Rachel Flatt
5. Brenden Wahl-FINALIST
6. CJ Gibbs
7. James Wright
8. Keiliana Richins
9. Carrera LaRose
10. Madaline Cundari-FINALIST
11. Tony Parillo
12. MaKayla Wells-Alternate
13. Lacey Bryce-Call Back

(line up subject to change)


March 5, 2026
OneAZ Credit Union
280 W Main, Safford
6:30 pm		Judges
2009 Winner Theresa Campbell
2012 Winner Ethan McBride
2008 Winner Adam Crohn

Performers
2009 Winner Theresa Campbell
2012 Winner Ethan McBride
Gila Valley Choral
Contestants
1. Skylar Wert
2. Moriah Parrish-Alternate
3. Tiffany Aaron-Call Back
4. Jenny Barentine-FINALIST
5.Autumn Espersen-FINALIST
6. Rachel Flatt
7. Kaylen Reyes
8. Chris Bernal
9. Hunter Chamberlin-FINALIST
10. Joseph Parrish
11. Nevaeh Fulkerson
12. Kay Ekvall
13. Traci Finn-Call Back
(line up subject to change)


March 12, 2026
Chamber of Commerce
6:30 pm		Judges
2014 Winner Olivia Jeffs
2008 Winner Adam Crohn
2018 Winner Pete McCormick

Performers
2014 Winner Olivia Jeffs
Contestants
(not in performance order)
1. Jesus Romero
2. Skai Wahl Mendez
3. Isaak Chacon
4. Emma Lamereaux
5. Emily Lewis
6. Lacey Bryce
7. Chalese Rojas
8. Mariah Tuerr
9. Tiffany Aaron
10. Caddy Bigler
11. Grant Wearne
12. Makayla Wells

Final Show
March 26, 2026
David M Player Center for the Arts
7:00 pm		Judges
2008 Winner Adam Crohn
2025 Winner Timothy Fox
2013 Winner Jessica Curtis


Performers
2008 Winner Adam Crohn
2013 Winner Jessica Curtis
2025 Winner Timothy Fox
2018 Winner Pete McCormick
2009 Winner Theresa Campbell
2017 Winner Darryn Kamae

Contestants
In performance order

1. Marie Nicholson
2. Sam Colwell
3. Cassidy Crosby
4. Autumn Espersen
5. Ky Brimhall
6. Hunter Chamberlin
7. Brenden Wahl
8. Abigail Spitzer
9. Madison Jarvis
10. Jenny Barentine
11. Scarlott Witriol
12. Madeline Cundari
13. Camden Bryce
14. Jordan Mathews
15. Callie Walters
16. Jake Richardson
17. Chaz Ornelaz
18. Lacey Bryce
19. Mya Allred

Registration is to participate in Gila Idol 2026 is Closed

RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS

In order to compete, you must sign a form that gives us permission to use photos and audio/video recordings of you in any way we want. This includes playing them on the radio, Valley Vision TV screens and posting online (to our web site, YouTube, etc.). And remember, the internet is forever.

What happens at the preliminaries?
Contestants at the preliminaries will sing one song of their choosing in front of the judges, other contestants and the audience.

  • Your song will be sung a cappella (without any instruments, backup music, etc.) Just you and a microphone!
  • Your song should be memorized. If you’re busy worrying about the words, you can’t concentrate on the performance.
  • Try to limit yourself to 60 – 90 seconds. One verse and a chorus should be more than enough for the judges to tell what your talents are.
  • Song choice: We strongly suggest that you choose a song with which the judges are most likely familiar.
  • Look the part: Dressing up is not required but is appreciated. It is an excellent way to show the judges that this event was worth the effort to you! Look your best; sound your best.
  • The judges will critique your performance right after you finish. When all the contestants have sung, the judges will make a decision about who and how many will go on to the finals. Guaranteed winners every night!
  • Judges will select 3 finalists from each preliminary to compete in the final competition.
  • One or more contestants at each preliminary will be selected to compete in the callback night. One contestant will be selected at callback night to compete in the final.
  • The judges may pick any number of alternates at each preliminary. After all the preliminaries are over, you will vote for your favorite alternate right here on GilaValleyCentral.net, and the winner will also compete in the finals.

What happens at the finals?
Contestants who qualify in the preliminaries will compete in the finals, which will be held at the David M. Player Center for the Arts.

  • Finals contestants will sing with a backup track of their choosing.
  • There will be one practice event a few days prior to the finals so contestants can familiarize themselves with the stage and the sound system.
  • Cash and other prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners.
  • The winners may also be invited to perform at other events sponsored by Double R Communications throughout the following year.
  • In the event that a qualifying contestant is not able to compete in the finals, an alternate from the preliminaries may be selected to fill the spot.
  • The decision of the judges is final!