SAFFORD — Illness and other circumstances led to a reduced field of singers seeking one last try to become a 2026 Gila Idol finalist.
During Thursday’s call-back night at the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, the judges selected Lacey Bryce to go to the finals, following her performance of “Burning House.”
Bryce she also was feeling under the weather and stressed from performing.
“My anxiety is really bad if I just wing it. This one, actually preparing a song, I was a nervous wreck,” Bryce said.
Bryce will next perform at the Gila Idol Finals on March 26 at the David M. Player Center for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.
Because illness reduced Thursday’s field of performers to just seven, the judges advanced the remaining six to the alternate stage.
Over the next seven days, videos of all alternates can be found by clicking here. The public will vote on the performances, and the top vote-getter will become the last finalist.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Judges were 2018 Gila Idol winner Pete McCormick, 2008 winner Adam Crohn and 2014 winner Olivia Jeffs.
Sponsors for 2026 Gila Idol include Valley Telecom Group; Richard’s Music Co.; Trophies ‘N Tees; Freeport-McMoRan; Valley Furniture and Appliance; the Graham County Chamber of Commerce; OneAZ Credit Union; The Venue and Vignette on Main; Keyhole Properties; Pepsi; Tyson Richins-Edward Jones Investments; Apache Gold Casino; Mack’s Napa Auto Parts; Valley Vision; and the Double R Communications family of radio stations, Kat Kountry 94.5 FM, Sunny 102.3 FM and KATO 1230 AM.
