SAFFORD — The first three finalists for the 20th Gila Idol vocal competition were selected by the judges at Thursday’s preliminary at the Double R Bar and Grill at Mt. Graham Golf Course, and all three have finals experience.
Andy Davis, who sang “Perfect” to earn his spot, is making his sixth Gila Idol finals appearance and his fifth in a row. After so many tries, he said he believes he knows what it will take to get the win.

– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
“I think it’s my song choice,” Davis said. “I’ve got to pick the song that’s going to wow the judges.”
Sam Colwell is making her second consecutive finals appearance, after her version of “Creep” bowled over the judges.

– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
“My plans are just to have fun and to support all of my fellow singers,” Colwell said. “My favorite part of last year was everybody having fun and gathering together.”

– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The third finalist selected was Timothy Fox, who sang “Yours.” He also previously performed in a Gila Idol finals back in 2022.
Two singers will get another chance at making the finals, when they perform at call back night at the Trekasges Theater at the David M. Player Center for the Arts on March 13. They are Skai Wahl, who sang “Stay,” and Cherish Lazarus, who sang “If I Were You.”

– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The judges also selected one alternate, Sarah Bauman, who sang “Almost There.” An alternate will be selected at each preliminary and, in the week before the finals, the public will vote on the performances on GilaValleyCentral.net. The top vote-getter will become a finalist.

– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Judges were 2024 Gila Idol winner Kamea Nelson, who also opened the evening with a performance of “True Colors,” 2017 winner Darryn Kamae and 2008 winner Adam Crohn.

– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
2016 winner Brianna DeRusha and organizer of the Matheson Music Festival, Feb. 14-16 at Graham County Fairgrounds, also performed two songs with partner Joe Baxter, “Blue and Lonesome” and the original “It’s all Devine.”

– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
All of Thursday’s performances can be viewed on the Gila Idol 2025 page at Gila Valley Central.
The next preliminary will take place Thursday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Manor 415 Event Center in Safford. Admission is free.
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.