The three “Idol at the Mount” finalists, Julie Smith, Eric Wefald and Jonathan Wright anxiously await the results of audience vote for the title “Idol at the Mount,’ which went to Wright.

For Immediate Release –Twelve solo finalists sang their hearts out in front of a full house Friday evening (April 7th) at Mount Wachusett Community College competing for the title “Idol at the Mount.” The genres spanned the generations from pop to classical to show tunes.  But in the end, the opera of Jonathan Wright mesmerized the audience, who cast the winning votes for the Leominster resident.

The benefit event for United Way of North Central Massachusetts got started with a group performance of “Season of Love” from the musical Rent.  Each of the twelve, who were selected from 52 that auditioned in February, sang a solo tune for the audience and three judges.

The difficult task of narrowing the field to the top three for the audience went to Diane T. Cushing, a music professor at Keene State College, Toshmasa Francis Wada of the Thayer Symphony Orchestra and David Lasky, music director at St. Celica’s Church and former music critic.

In addition to Wright, the other two top vote getters included Julie Smith of New Salem, who took second place and Eric Wefald of Boylston who rounded out the top three.  All three took home cash prizes of $1000, $500 and $250 respectively after the audience voted for their favorite performance.

“Congratulations to all the finalists, who did an outstanding job.  Not only did we get to hear some incredible singing, but we were able to help the community,” noted United Way President Phil Grzewinski. 

The event, which sold out in less than two weeks and included corporate sponsorships, raised approximately $30,000 for United Way’s Community Care Fund which addresses 65 health and human services programs in the community.

Jonathan Wright performed the Neapolitan standard, “O Sole Mio.” He attended Boston University School of Music and also trained with Ingol Ivan Oak at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Mr. Wright and his wife, Victoria have a two year old daughter and moved to Leominster from Maynard three years ago.

Julie Smith sang “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” She is a mother of two from New Salem and a teacher’s aide and coach at Mahar Regional High School.

Eric Wefald of Boylston serenaded the audience with “A Bit of Earth” from The Secret Garden. He is a minister at Good Shepherd Church of Westboro.

Marketing/event planner Ethan Caouette of Westminster rocked the audience with Aerosmith’s “Cryin.”

Retired barber David DeCoff of East Templeton sang “Stars” from Les Miserables.
Head Start teacher Fatima Elmi of Holden belted out Carole King’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

Classically trained, Seoul, Korea native Angela Hwang of Hardwick performed Puccini’s “O Mio Babino Caro.”

Broadway soloist, Boston Conservatory of Music grad Ira Leighton of Holliston sang “Le Jazz Hot” from Victor/Victoria.

Karissa Mahoney of Salem, NH, a musical theater major at Keene State College performed “And All That Jazz.”

A teacher at the New England Center for Children, Gary Martin of Worcester delivered “This Is the Moment” from Jekyll & Hyde.

Regional theater veteran Joan Syriopoulos of Fitchburg performed “A Piece of Sky” from Yentl.

John McWilliams of Westminster sang “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables. 

The competition was sponsored in part by Aubuchon Hardware, Bovenzi, Inc., Ronald M. Ansin, BHR Life Companies, Colonial Hotel, Fitchburg Savings Bank, Fitchburg State College, Unitil, GFA Federal Credit Union, SimplexGrinnell, Wachusett Mountain, Mount Wachusett Community College, Concrete Solutions, Workers’ Credit Union, Heywood Hospital, John Robert Powers, Fidelity Bank, Upside Sound, The Buffer Zone, Lajoie’s Used Auto Parts and Akin Automotive.