SAFFORD — Timothy Fox stepped up to the microphone toward the end of the 2025 Gila Idol Finals Thursday, at the David M. Player Center for the Arts.
His raw, emotional performance of the song, “Dancing on my Own,” with just a piano as a backing instrument, convinced the judges that, in a field of 20 incredible singers, he should be crowned the new Gila Idol winner and take home the trophy from Trophies N’ Tees and a check for $2,000.
Fox’s performance can be viewed by clicking here.
“After the 2022 final, I kind of decided that I wanted to do a song that I really like, that I can put a lot of emotion into,” Fox said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Fox edged out Bella Campbell, who performed “Como la Flor.” Campbell received a trophy and a $500 gift certificate to Richard’s Music for finishing in second place.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Placing third and receiving a trophy and a $300 Richard’s Music gift certificate was Brenden Wahl, who sang “Sway.” The fourth-place trophy and a $100 Richard’s Music gift certificate went to Madeline Cundari for her performance of “How Can it Be,” and the fifth-place trophy was presented to Sam Colwell, who sang “Back to Black.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The evening was full of song, as eight former Gila Idol winner also performed. Last year’s winner, Kamea Nelson, opened the show with a performance of “It’s a Man’s World,” followed by 2008 winner Adam Crohn singing “Mele Kalikimaka” and 2013 winner Jessica Curtis singing “Rainbow.” Nelson, Crohn and Curtis also served as the evening’s judges.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
While the judges were deliberating, the crowd was treated to performances by 2009 winner Theresa Campbell; 2014 winner Ethan McBride; 2016 winner Brianna DeRusha, who performed a duet with Joe Baxter; 2018 winner Pete McCormick; and 2023 winner Zaylie Windsor, who sang two songs.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Sponsors for 2025 Gila Idol included 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.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
