SAFFORD — Add three more to the growing list of excellent singers who will perform at the 2023 Gila Valley Idol finals.
Judges selected Kamea Nelson, Madi Partridge and Jenny Barentine as finalists at the preliminary at Safford Bowl on Thursday.
It was the first time Barentine, 15, had auditioned for Gila Idol. She sang “Sunflower.”
“I really related to the song, but then I can sing variation, different ranges from that,” Barentine said.
Nelson is making a return trip to the finals, having finished in second place last year. She sang “I Have Nothin’ ” at Thursday’s preliminary.
“I really like the song because it starts out low and quiet, and smooth with a subtle power. Then it grows to higher and more of a belt,” Nelson said.
Partridge sang “At Last,” which qualified her for her second finals appearance in a row. She said last year’s experience gave her a different outlook for this year’s performance.
“Take it less seriously and have more fun. It’s just an enjoyable experience and whatever happens, you know?” Partridge said.
Two singers will get another chance at making the finals, when they perform at call back night at the Graham County Chamber of Commerce on March 9. They are Garrett Morris, who performed “Gravity,” and Taran Mayes, who performed “Through the Valley.”
The judges also selected one alternate, Brianna Richins, who sang “Alive.” 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.
Judges were 2016 winner Brianna Morris, who also opened the night with a performance of the song, “Faded Love,” 2008 winner Adam Crohn and 2017 Darryn Kamae.
2012 winner Ethan McBride performed during the judges’ deliberation, singing “Fly Me to the Moon.”
All of Thursday’s performances can be viewed at Gila Idol 2023 Double R Grill | GilaValleyCentral.Net.
The next preliminary will take place Thursday, Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at OneAZ Credit Union.
The winner of the March 23 finals will receive $2,000 in cash.
Sponsors for 2023 Gila Idol include Valley Telecom Group; Mack’s NAPA Auto Parts; Richard’s Music Co.; the Double R Bar and Grill; Freeport-McMoRan; Valley Furniture and Appliance; Tyson Richins – Edward Jones Investments; Swire Coca-Cola; Trophies ‘N Tees; Advanced Air Systems; and the Double R Communications family of radio stations, Kat Kountry 94.5 FM, Sunny 102.3 FM and KATO 1230 AM.
