The Colgate Country Showdown, a national talent search in country music, held their local finals at HerrinFesta Italiana. Ten contestants were chosen last Wednesday at the Copper Dragon in Carbondale to advance to the HerrinFesta stage Sunday. Josh Summers, Richard Cooper, Michelle Naas, Megan Youngblood, Zach Harris, Tara Fasol, Cheryl Patterson-Dryer, Jared Tolbert, and Miranda Wilmore competed on the Piazza stage for a chance to compete at the DuQuoin State Fair in August and a chance at the $100,000 grand prize.
Each contestant sang two songs and were judged on marketability, vocal performance, originality, stage presence, talent, and if applicable, song writing. Zach Harris was the only contestant to perform an original song.
At the end of the judging, Megan Youngblood of Herrin was victorious.
Congratulations to Megan and all the performers for a truly excellent performance.