Nearly 50 auditioned for the Third Annual Cortez Idol competition in January. On Wednesday, the top three contestants will vie for $1,000 in cash.<\/p>\n
Held at Blondie\u2019s Trophy Room on Main Street, the championship round of the karaoke-style competition starts at 7 p.m. Subject to both a panel of judges and audience votes, either Mary Hess, Tiffany Marie or Rhed Leonard will be crowned and take home $1,000.<\/p>\n
Best advice: Arrive early. Throughout the 10-week competition, tables at the bar and restaurant have filled quickly, resulting in a standing room only crowd.<\/p>\n
Described by judges as \u201ccreative,\u201d Hess has cashed-in on her musical talents, utilizing a guitar to enhance her performances.<\/p>\n
Marie, a bit more shy, has \u201cripped out of her shell\u201d as the contest has progressed.<\/p>\n
And Leonard, a more seasoned performer, has been \u201centertaining\u201d and \u201cfun to watch\u201d week after week.<\/p>\n
Branden Miller, a local brew master and 2014 Cortez Idol winner, had previously sung in the shower and car, but never on stage prior to entering last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting up on stage, it\u2019s tough,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n
Modeled after the hit television show \u201cAmerican Idol,\u201d a four-judge panel scores competitors on musicality, originality, stage presence, crowd appeal and marketability.<\/p>\n
Prizes will also be awarded to second and third place winners, and the competition also includes an award for most improved singer.<\/p>\n