SAFFORD — The first male singer to be named to the 2024 Gila Idol finals has been selected.
During Thursday’s preliminary at the Double R Grill at Mt. Graham Golf Club, the judges selected Milo Raley, Arden Witriol and Breanna Richins to sing at the 19th annual Gila Idol finals.
Raley, who sang “Someone You Love,” said the preliminary was a new experience.
“So, I do plays and stuff, so I’m used to auditioning in front of people and that was completely different because I’ve never been in a competition before,” Raley said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Witriol said her song choice, “At Last,” was a statement.
“I have a need for attention, so I looked for a song that would show that,” Witriol said. “I also had a really wonderful teacher recommend the song to me — Mike Bradley, he’s the former choir teacher for Pima — and he helped me learn the entire thing (and) helped me with everything.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Richins, who sang “Vampire,” is no stranger to Gila Idol, having taken part three years in a row and was a finalist in 2022.
“I feel a little more confident in what I have to offer; I feel like I’m coming into my voice a little bit more now,” Richins said, “but I’m still a little bit nervous and not sure what song I’m going to do (in the finals).”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
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 14. They are Brendan Wahl, who performed “Everything,” and Blair Renfro, who sang “The Man that I Am.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The judges also selected one alternate, Zoey Brown, who sang “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.” 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 vocal coach Cindy Anaya, who opened the night with a performance of “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” 2017 Gila Idol winner Darryn Kamae and 2008 winner Adam Crohn.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
During the judges’ deliberation, the audience was also treated to a performance by 2018 Gila Idol winner Pete McCormick.
All of Thursday’s performances can be viewed on the Gila Idol 2024 page at Gila Valley Central.
The next preliminary will take place Thursday, Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Morenci Club.
Sponsors for 2024 Gila Idol include Valley Telecom Group; Richard’s Music Co.; Trophies ‘N Tees; Freeport-McMoRan; 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; The Venue & Vignette on Main; Valley Vision; and the Double R Communications family of radio stations, Kat Kountry 94.5 FM, Sunny 102.3 FM and KATO 1230 AM.
