Idol Contestants Move To Semifinals
By CHRIS BUTLER

SEBRING — Erika Meyers was dressed to match her song even though she almost tripped because of them.

Resplendent in red high heels, Meyers sang a song titled “Red High Heels.”

The venue was the Heartland Idol competition Saturday night at the Highlands County Fair.

The high heels were so distinct they nearly caused her to trip up the stairs while walking onstage.

Fortunately for her, luck was on her side as she later won herself a place in the semi-finalist competition for Saturday’s Idol.
Meyers was among four other teen semifinalist winners.

Five other junior semifinalists under 13 were also chosen.

The teen semifinalist winners included the following:
u Morgan Williams, 15. The Sebring High School student sang Christina Aguilera’s “Reflection.”

u Lindsey Varis. The Grace Academy student sang “God’s Will.”

u Erin Meyers, 14. The Sebring Middle student sang “Bring Me Down.”

u Jessica Varis, age unknown

Idol judges Theresa Handley, Diana Walker and Megan Montgomery judged finalists on not only their singing abilities, but their poise and ability to connect with audiences.

The same standards were held for the junior semi-finalists, including the following:

u Ivanna Santos, the Sebring Middle School student’s performance was twice interrupted by technical difficulty with background music. Santos was able to perform without the benefit of background music, however.

u Christopher Hawthorne, 11, a Hill-Gustat Middle School student.

u Sidney Hilt, 11. The Sebring Middle School student sang a Sara Evans song.

u Sara Liles, 12. The Sebring Middle School student sang Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman.”

u Jacklyn Migliori, 10. The Lake County Elementary student sang an updated version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz.”

The five finalists will meet at Saturday’s competition at the Highlands County Fair Pavilion at 7 p.m.