FRACKVILLE - The six semifinalists for Schuylkill County Idol XII sang their hearts out Tuesday as they tried to gain a spot in the final round.
The final three contestants will be announced at 3 p.m. today at www.shopschuylkillmall.com.
Fransheska Cruz, 30, of Shenandoah; Kelly Ann Bensinger, 24, of Valley View; Bryel Frasch, 16, of Ashland; Ryan Wilkinson, 29, of Schuylkill Haven; Richard Harper, 21, of Cumbola; and Justine Ellis, 20, of Pottsville, competed for the crowd, each performing three songs.
They were judged on showmanship, technical ability, stage presence and overall performance.
"John Denver is smiling down from heaven. That was beautiful," judge Jeff Buchanan said after Wilkinson sang Denver's "Sunshine On My Shoulders."
Wilkinson's two other songs were "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash and "All I Want Is You" by U2.
Frasch sang "House of the Rising Sun," by the Animals, which the judges enjoyed.
"Great job. I loved the performance," judge Allison Kline said.
Cruz sang "Don't Let Me Get Me" by Pink as one of her three songs. Her children even joined in the fun, playing with a large, white ball as she sang.
"Tonight, you're the coolest mom in Schuylkill County," Buchanan said.
Kline said she did a good job, while judge Russell Seibert said, "You brought the energy level up" for the event.
Harper had the crowd clapping with his song, "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks.
Bensinger wore a yellow dress, white hat and sunglasses while singing "Soak Up the Sun" by Sheryl Crow.
Ellis smiled as she sang "The Show" by Lenka, which Buchanan noticed and said is good during a performance.
Ellis said she wants to improve her self-confidence.
The three finalists will compete at 6 p.m. July 22 in the last Idol round at the Schuylkill Mall.
The winner, announced during the final round, will receive a $1,000 mall shopping spree, a gift certificate from the Bon Ton, a $50 gift certificate from the Mustard Seed Mercantile, a gift card from Kmart, a gift card from Avon, chocolate from Gertrude Hawk, a professional photo shoot by Michael's Photography, Frackville, and an Aug. 2 performance at the Schuylkill County Fair.