FRACKVILLE - The performances were so good Tuesday that audience members might have thought the original artists were singing to them at the Schuylkill County Junior Idol VI.
The 10 remaining contestants for the title displayed their talent starting about 6 p.m. in the Schuylkill Mall. Eventually, they will be narrowed down to one.
"I think Billy Joel would be proud," said Glenn Roberts, one of the three judges for the event, after Kieffer Quandel, 14, of Hegins, sang "Piano Man" by Billy Joel while playing a synthesizer.
Quandel later sang "Henry the VIII" by Herman's Hermits.
The contestants each sang two songs they picked. The second round was termed the British Invasion, during which the songs performed were all by British artists.
Contestants were scored on stage presence, tehnical ability, showmanship and overall performance by three judges.
After his first time singing for the night, Quandel said he was singing on the advice of his mother, Beth Bensinger, 40, who died last year.
"A wise woman told me to always follow my dreams," he said. Quandel said he wants to have a music career and possibly record professionally or teach music. The eighth-grade student at Tri-Valley Junior/Senior High School said he was a little nervous but believed in what he was doing.
"There's always a person out there that will appreciate the music," he said.
During his break from singing and playing "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison on his guitar, Brendan Bennett, 14, of Quakake, said he is in the contest because it is fun.
He was 11 years old when he got his first guitar as a Christmas gift and he plays everyday "sometimes it's just little moments," he said.
The satisfaction of seeing smiles on the faces of the crowd is enough for him. He later sang "Yesterday" by The Beatles.
"I really just mostly want them to be entertained," Bennett said.
There was plenty of entertainment during the competition. Zavary Jones, 15, of Pottsville, sang "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benetar and "The A Team" by Ed Sheeran, which had the audience clapping.
Makenna Copeland, 15, also of Pottsville, sang "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae. Her second song was "Someone Like You" by Adele.
"I really, really enjoyed that performance," Allison Kline, a judge, said.
Kline called Copeland a "true performer."
Judge Allison Stella said it was a good presentation and "very nicely done."
Mary Ann Ebling, 54, of Saint Clair, said she enjoyed the music.
"I love it. I love listening to music," she said.
Today the 10 contestants will be reduced to six and announced at 3 p.m. on the Schuylkill Mall website, www.shopschuylkillmall.com.
The event, sponsored by Pepsi and the Frackville Rotary, continues every Tuesday until the winner is announced Feb. 18. The winner of Idol will receive a $1,000 Schuylkill Mall shopping spree, a $100 gift certificate courtesy of Bon-Ton, a makeover courtesy of the Beverly Carlton, a professional photo shoot by Michael's Photography, Frackville, a digital caricature package by Angie Jordan and the opportunity to perform at the Schuylkill County Fair in August.