Woodlands Idol Finalists: These finalists will compete at the Taste of the Town on January 28, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.The best of the best competed in the semi-final round of the Woodlands Idol Contest Friday night, with nine emerging to sing once again at the Chamber’s Taste of the Town event on January 28. They’ll be joined by the People’s Choice winner, to vie for the cash prizes next week at The Woodlands Marriott. The eclectic group represents every musical genre and demonstrates how truly diverse The Woodlands is. The added dimension this year was the amount of showmanship demonstrated by all the contestants. The total look…voice quality, attire, dance moves, and audience interaction, have become essential to advancing, even to the semi-finals.

Etta James would be envious of Ashley's presentation of "At Last." "Purple Rain" reigned 'em in, Deezle performed yet another original composition, and if you can't even hum, try yodeling. The semi-finals had it all, and so did all the performers.

Narrowing the field from thirty to nine was the unenviable task of five judges, three from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department: Lt. Don Norris, Peggy Frankhouser, and Randy McDaniel; last year’s winner, Marlice Fitz-Ledbetter; and the reigning Mrs. Texas International, Bonnie Hubert. While the votes were being tabulated, Marlice entertained the audience with Reba McEntire’s “Why Haven’t I Heard From You?”

This blog is going to fall short of predicting the winner because it's really too close to call, but a couple of my favorites are in the finals. Rumored among the team facilitating the Woodlands Idol contest...there's already talk of not letting this talent fall by the wayside after the competition. The finalists, in addition to some of the other unique artists who competed, may be featured in other community events. I hope so. These amazing singers are some of The Woodlands best resources.

For nothing more than the cost of your refreshments, the semi-final competition was a best buy for an evening of entertainment. Likewise for the Taste of the Town event. For the cost of admission, $20, you'll definitely get your money's worth...all the food you can eat, and another great evening of entertaiment. To vote for the People’s Choice winner or purchase tickets on line for the Taste of the Town, go to www.tasteofthetown.org