SAFFORD — Normally, during the Gila Idol call-back night, one singer is selected to advance to the Finals.
However, due to a previously selected finalist having to drop out due to a scheduling conflict, the judges at Thursday’s preliminary at Tregaskes Hall were able to pick two. And it was Marie Nicholson and Scarlett Witriol who will have a chance to win the $2,000 first prize at the Gila Idol Finals, March 27 at the David M. Player Center for the Arts.
Nicholson, who sang “Gypsy,” said her goal at the finals is to just have fun.
“I think for me it’s just a matter of trying to enjoy the experience. Because I get so nervous, if I can enjoy it then I think the crowd will also enjoy it,” Nicholson said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Witriol, who sang “Summertime,” will be making her second consecutive finals appearance. She said she knows what she’s doing on stage that night.
“I’m definitely going to choose a song that is more well-known,” Witriol said, “something that shows off my range and has enough ‘oomph.’ ”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The judges also selected three alternates: Skai Wahl, who sang “Pray for You”; Jordan Mathews, who sang “All I Want”; and Kaylynn Simmons, who sang “Country Music Made a Man Out of Me.”
Over the next week, the public will vote on which alternate should advance to the Finals. Voters can view the performances and cast a vote on GilaValleyCentral.net. The top vote-getter will become a finalist.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Judges were 2013 Gila Idol winner Jessica Curtis, who opened the night with a performance of “Hold on to Me”; 2008 winner Adam Crohn; and 2023 winner Zaylie Windsor, who closed the evening with an original song, “The Used.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Tickets for the March 27 Finals are now on sale and can be purchased by clicking here.
Sponsors for 2025 Gila Idol include Valley Telecom Group; Richard’s Music Co.; Trophies ‘N Tees; Freeport-McMoRan; Pepsi; Mack’s NAPA Auto Parts; the Double R Bar and Grill; Valley Furniture and Appliance; Tyson Richins — Edward Jones Investments; the Graham County Chamber of Commerce; OneAZ Credit Union; Manor 415 Event Center; Keyhole Properties; Apache Gold Resort and Casino; the Matheson Music Foundation; Valley Vision; and the Double R Communications family of radio stations, Kat Kountry 94.5 FM, Sunny 102.3 FM and KATO 1230 AM.
