Following eight impressive performances the top three vocalists were chosen during Saugeen District Secondary School’s Royal Idol competition January 18. From left, Amelia Willson who placed third, Gracienne Swarbrick who was crowned the “Royal Idol” and Jeff Hastings who came in second.

Hub Staff

For the second year in a row, performing a James Bond hit, coupled with having a powerful voice, was the key to success at Saugeen District Secondary School’s (SDSS) Royal Idol competition January 18.

Grade 9 student Gracienne Swarbrick wowed the judges and won the 2017 title of “Royal Idol” after performing Skyfall by Adele during the “2000’s to Present Hits” themed competition. Judged by teachers Margaret Wysman, Bud Halpin and Dr. Mike Laing, with colour commentary by Shannon Ferguson, eight performers took to the stage after auditioning for the contest.

Senior student Hanna Lynch was the first to perform and impressed Judge Wysman by not showing her nerves and staying on pitch during her performance of Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men. Amelia Willson sent her love to the crowd during her performance of Adele’s Send My Love. Judge Halpin said Willson had “great range”, while Judge Laing said the song was a brave choice but Willson sang it beautifully.

Third to the stage was Jack Flarity who sang the country hit Chicken Fried by the Zac Brown Band. Mr. Ferguson, who knows Flarity to be heavily into sports, never thought he would associate Flarity with musical theatre and vocal class and was impressed. Flarity admitted that his mom pushed him into trying new things. Judge Laing said that the song matched Flarity’s register and that he showcased a colourful country-twang.

Singing I’m Yours by Jason Mraz was student Maddie Hobson. Judge Halpin was impressed that Hobson did so well with a song with many lyrics. Judge Laing said that Hobson sang with a beautiful, natural voice and that he noticed that whenever she is nervous about something she never backs down.

Alyssa Garrod sang Stay by Rhianna. Judge Halpin said that Garrod had a nice, steady and sincere voice. In reference to Garrod’s performance, Judge Laing said when he gets the “chills” it makes judging easy.

Following Jeff Hastings’ rendition of Like This by Shawn Mendes, Judge Laing told the crowd that he is related to Hastings, his uncle by marriage, but it wouldn't affect his judging. Laing then said that his performance would have made his mother cry. Judge Wysman said the way he delivered the song brought the audience on a journey.

Royal Idol contestant Aspen Chapman performed My Church by Maren Morris with the help of audience participation. Judge Halpin said Chapman had a voice as big as her smile and that he couldn't say enough good things.

The final singer of the competition was Gracienne Swarbrick. Judge Wysman said that Swarbrick had natural talent and even wrote “Broadway Bound" next to her scoresheet, while Judge Laing said her voice was pure, open and she didn't miss a note.

Taking second place was Jeff Hastings with Amelia Willson placing third.

On the left, Grade 9 student Gracienne Swarbrick was named "Royal Idol" with her "powerful" rendition of Skyfall by Adele. On the right, Aspen Chapman performing My Church by Maren Morris, during Saugeen District Secondary School's Royal Idol competition January 18.

On the left, Hanna Lynch preformed Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men during Saugeen District Secondary School’s Royal Idol competition January 18. On the right, Jeff Hastings and his rendition of Like This by Canadian singer Shawn Mendes, which earned him second place at the Royal Idol competition January 18.

On the left, Alyssa Garrod during Royal Idol, where she performed Stay by Rihanna. On the right, Jack Flarity became a country crooner and got hands clapping when he sang Chicken Fried by the Zac Brown Band.

Saugeen District Secondary’s 2017 Royal Idol contestants, from left, Jeff Hastings, Maddie Hobson, Gracienne Swarbrick, Alyssa Garrod, Amelia Willson, Jack Flarity and Aspen Chapman.