Auditions before the panel of judges began at 7 p.m. and continued until had a chance to show their stuff.   All contestants were required to wait outside during the competition until it was their turn to audition.  The junior contestants were introduced in the Tuesday edition of the Poteau Daily News. The adult competitors are being introduced in the Wednesday and Thursday editions.

 

Wes Fowler, 18, is from Shady Point. He is a recent graduate of Cameron High School and began singing in church at the age of six.  Since that time, he has developed a love to sing country music as well as Christian music.  He has recorded two CDs and has performed on stage numerous times. The highlight of his singing career, so far, was when he performed this year at the Oklahoma State FFA Convention in front of thousands of FFA members.  He hopes to one day get that big break that will take him to Nashville. For now, he will attend college at Carl Albert State College, play baseball and keep singing.

 

Felisha McKenzie was born and raised in Poteau and now resides in Shady Point. Her early years were spent at the local radio station KINB where both parents were DJs.  She could sing before she could talk and always loved an audience.  She is currently a full time Pharmacy Technician at D&D Pharmacy as well as a full-time student working toward obtaining a degree in English.  She is a host at the Coffee Cup for “Open-Mic night” and is a single mom of two small boys, Ryan and Andrew.

 

Ginger Aleshire, 16, is from Poteau. She is a student at Poteau High School and a member of the PHS Choir and Show Choir. She enjoys Community Theatre and sings regularly in church.  She hopes to study music in college. She is the daughter of John and Shannon Marshall of Poteau and Greg and Melissa Aleshire of Mena, Ark.

 

Grant Scowden, 14, is a freshman at Poteau High School.  He is an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he plays in the Youth Praise Band. He plays the guitar and piano, but also loves the stage.  He has been in numerous productions including “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory,” “Broadway…Our Way” and played the role of Charlie Brown in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

 

Laura Burleigh,15, is a sophomore at Poteau High School.  She is a PHS Cheerleader and a member of the Poteau High School Advanced Choir.  She is an active member of the First Christian Church and the Good Times Community Theatre League. She has been in numerous productions including, “Oklahoma!” You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” “Broadway…Our Way” “Grease” and most recently she appeared as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” and “Peggy” in “Godspell.”  She is a born performer having extensive training in dance, piano and voice.

 

Heather Fitzpatrick, 23, grew up in Poteau and has always been interested in music. She is a graduate of Poteau High School and was involved in choir, journalism, speech and drama. Heather recently returned to Poteau from a trip to Egypt.

 

Crissy Keeton was born in southern Missouri and grew up all over the south. Poteau has been her hometown.  Singing has always been a huge part of her life and her mother says she could hum before she could talk. She said she grew up in a rough life and when a little downcast, she sang. She has a degree in music and has performed in various places.  

 

The winner of the junior division will be chosen Aug. 13 following auditions and will have the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the Friday and Saturday night performances of the Phil Gardenhire PRCA Rodeo, Aug. 14 and 15.  The winner of the adult division will automatically be entered in the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair Talent Contest, Sponsored by KFSM  Channel 5.

 

The adult winner will also be awarded recording time at Omega Sound Studios in Ft. Smith, Ark. and a cash prize.  Auditions will continue Thursday and Aug. 11 and 13.  Stop by Warehouse Willlys from 7 to 10 p.m. to hear some real talent.