SAFFORD — The roster for the finals of the 20th Gila Idol vocal competition is filling up, following Thursday’s preliminary at the OneAZ Credit Union.
The judges selected Savanna Clonts, Camden Bryce and Hunter Chamberlain to advance to the finals.
Clonts sang “Chasing Pavements” to earn her spot.
“I didn’t do it last year. I took a year off — I got sick around when the competition started — and I just thought, you know, I’d try it next year. So it’s good to be back,” Clonts said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Bryce sang “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” with a yodeling inflection.
“I knew that I could do runs with my voice, and I knew that would set me apart,” Bryce said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Chamberlain, known for big performances of pop and rock in previous Gila Idol finals, opted for the country song “Cover Me Up” for Thursday’s performance.
“I love country. “I’ve been singing country since I was a little kid and it’s probably the most true to what I am. I love country,” Chamberlain said.
– 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 13. They are Caddy Bigler, who sang “Wondering,” and Scarlett Witriol, who sang “Fly Me to the Moon.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The judges also selected two alternates, Aamira Alvarado, who sang “You Were Meant for Me,” and Rachel Flatt, who sang “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” Alternates are 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 2014 Gila Idol winner Ethan McBride, who opened the preliminary with a performance of “Livin’ on a Prayer,” 2008 winner Adam Crohn and 2024 winner Kamea Nelson.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
In addition, Gila Valley Chorale and Gila Valley Chorale Illuminate performed two songs, under the direction of McBride.
– 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. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Morenci Club. 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.
