Kane Heffron was named the winner of the 2013 Schuylkill County Junior Idol contest Tuesday at the Schuylkill Mall.
The 10th-grade student from Minersville was the first male contestant to win the title.
Standing with the other two finalists, Lauren Hunter, 13, of Pottsville, and Gabrielle Quandel, 15, of Hegins, Heffron, 15, dropped to his knees in disbelief and took off his cowboy hat upon hearing his name called as the winner. A large smile then replaced the surprise on his face.
He then sang "Just Dance" by Josh Turner.
Mall manager Elaine Maneval asked him if he had anything to say to the audience.
"Wow. Everybody has helped me on the way up," he said.
Heffron thanked his family, among others.
During the 30-minute break before the winning announcement, he was humble about his chances of winning.
"I think everybody has a fair shot here," he said.
Tuesday's final round was the culmination of the event that started with 41 contestants Feb. 5.
Heffron said perseverance is key for those who want to achieve a goal.
"Just keep trying. Don't stop. You'll definitely get there" but it might not be when you want, he said.
He did not think he would make it this far, he said.
Each of the contestants sang three songs. The first song was their choice. The second was a theme song they could pick from the disco era, and the third was one of four songs suggested by the three judges, Angie Jordan, Susan Smallwood and Jeff Miller.
Heffron led off Tuesday's final round with a performance of "Ol' Red" by Blake Shelton.
Family, friends and others formed a crowd to see the finalists perform. Hunter even had her own fan club that wore shirts with letters spelling her name on them.
She sang "Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones as one of her songs.
The judges were impressed.
"I just can't believe the sound that comes out of you at 13 years old," Miller said.
As one of her three songs, Gabrielle Quandel sang "Baby Girl" by Sugarland.
"I liked this song. It really showcases your voice really well," Smallwood said.
Dancing to the song "Boogie Shoes" by KC and the Sunshine Band, Heffron showed off his moves to the crowd.
Jordan was impressed.
"Not only can you sing, you can dance," she said.
Heffron will perform during the Schuylkill County Fair, scheduled from July 29 to Aug. 3. He will also be interviewed by WMGH radio station in Tamaqua and sing a song on the radio, Maneval said.
The Schuylkill County Junior Idol was sponsored by Pepsi, Avalon and the Frackville Rotary Club.