The Rotunda

Issue date: 2/11/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Nicole Dales LU Idol finalists pose for a picture before their performances Saturday. From left to right is Zack Mahon (Winner), Octavia Moton, Mia Vorhies, and Jessica Snyder.

Two weeks ago eight contestants competed for the title of Longwood Idol, with four contestants brought back to compete it the finals. On Saturday, Feb. 7, Zack Mahon, Octavia Moton, Mia Vorhies and Jessica Snyder battled it out for the top spot. The evening was split into three rounds. After the first round the audience voted and one person was kicked off. After the second round the audience voted again and one more person was kicked off. After the third round the judges voted and chose a winner

Mahon competed first. He opened by saying that last time the judges told him to be more creative, so he wrote his own music for that night's show. "This is my question. You came for the finale, right? I was looking for more passion," said Angela Jackson, who was portraying Simon from "American Idol." Amanda Shankle, playing Paula, though Mahon's outfit really pulled things together. Abbey Rowe, who played Kara, told Mahon that he was just too cute and to not listen to Simon. "You and I both know you're good. Work on connecting with the audience," advised Billy Boulden, who played Randy.

Jessica Snyder sang "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles. "I'm not sure what happened. Last time you had more of a desire to win," said Boulden. Rowe loved how Snyder made the song her own, and Shankle loved everything about it. Jackson thought she did well.

Snyder did receive some less favorable feedback from the crowd, but Mahon was quick to jump to her defense. ""These guys have nuts coming up here and singing, so show them some respect and don't boo them," he said.

Vorhies sang the classic "Lean on Me" a cappella. Jackson thought it was very good. Shankle thought it was brave singing a cappella. Rowe wanted to see some more confidence. "It was good but it's the finale. I need to see more energy. You were kind of mellow," said Boulden.

Moton sang "Killing Me Softly" by Roberta Flack. Boulden thought she played it safe, but Rowe thought she had it going on. Shankle though Moton was looking really cute. "Last time I told you to bring the total package. You did tonight, but I know you have more power then what you gave us," said Jackson. After the audience voted, Mahon, Vorhiers and Moton were asked to stay for round two.

Continued...

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