FRACKVILLE - The 10th anniversary edition of Schuylkill County Idol continued with its second round Tuesday evening at the Schuylkill Mall as 10 contestants each performed a solo act before teaming together for five duets.
"You're in for a real treat tonight," Elaine Maneval, mall general manager, said to the audience.
The event kicked off with performances from Bryel Frasch, Ashland, winner of Schuylkill County Jr. Idol III.
Asked if she had any advice for this year's contestants, Frasch said to be comfortable with the song and have fun.
Each of the contestants seemed to do just that as they interacted with the audience, played piano or guitar, and sang their favorite songs as they tried to impress the three judges.
Performers and their songs were: Maura Gownley, 16, of Ashland ("OMG" by Usher), Dynasia Irving, 16, of Shenandoah ("At Last" by Etta James), Chelsey Bailey, 23, of Port Carbon ("Saw the Light" by Wynonna Judd), Jeffrey Bates, 18, of Pine Grove ("You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban), Heather Clevenger, 23, of Pine Grove ("If You're Not In It For Love" by Shania Twain), Elysha Bolschi, 19, of Shenandoah ("Hurt" by Chrisina Aguilera), Cody Wiley, 22, of Pottsville ("Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars), Patricia Tebbe, 17, of Shenandoah ("Back in Baby's Arms by Patsy Kline), Rebecca Barnes, 16, of Ashland ("We're Young and Beautiful" by Carrie Underwood), and Rich Harper, 19, of Cumbola ("Zoot Suit Riot" by Cherry Popping Daddies).
Following a brief intermission after their solo performances, contestants returned to the stage for their duets with the partner they picked last week. Performers and their songs were: Harper and Tebbe ("Walking After Midnight" by Patsy Kline), Barnes and Irving ("The Climb" by Miley Cyrus), Bolschi and Bailey ("American Honey" by Lady Antebellum), Clevenger and Bates ("Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perry), and Wiley and Gownley ("Two Is Better Than One" by Boys Like Girls).
In addition to the three judges, people can vote on who they think should be this year's Schuylkill Idol winner. Anyone older than 6 years of age can vote once a day at the mall's customer service center through Sunday. Votes aren't limited to one contestant as people can vote for all their favorites. Name, phone number and a valid ID are required to place a vote.
Audience members can also win prizes. People with two or more punches on a card signifying their attendance will be entered to win a flat-screen TV. Also, punch cards are available to signify every $10 purchase made at the mall during a night of the competition. Fill the card with $100 in sales and be entered to win a Kenmore Gas Grill. Audience members must be present during the final night of competition to claim their prize.
The six contestants advancing to the next round will be announced by 3 p.m. Monday. The competition will continue at 6 p.m. on July 17 and 24 with the winner being announced on July 30. Sponsors for this year's event are Schuylkill Mall Theatres, Pepsi, Avalon, Freedom Wireless and Frackville Rotary Club.