Pupils singing for idol contest

Evans Middle School will once again host its own version of American Idol , dubbing their show Evans Idol.

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The Friday event will feature 14 students vying for the top prize of $100, said Wendy Baggott, Evans Middle's choir teacher and the event's organizer.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., pupils will take the stage to see who can out-sing their peers. The event will feature a three-judge panel, Baggott said.

Katie Taylor, a member of the Georgia Music Association and former All-State Chorus participant, will return as one of the judges in the contest.

Taylor said she'll look for contestants to meet certain criteria to receive high marks.

"Age-appropriate dress and demeanor are important, as is the choice of music," said Taylor, who has previously judged at Georgia All-State contests. "Confidence and crowd appeal play into it as well.

"Their ability to take ownership while on stage and to sing with feeling at this age can be frightening as a young teen, but it's exciting to watch those who have the courage to get out there and do their best," Taylor said. "It's something I enjoy watching and look forward to seeing again this year."

The other two judges are both music teachers in Columbia County, said Baggott. They are Phillip Streetman, chorus teacher at Columbia Middle School, and Katie Bennett, band director at Columbia Middle.

More than 50 students auditioned for this year's Evans Idol , Baggot said.

"I consulted with another teacher to narrow the number down to 14," she said.

Admission is $5, payable at the door.

Carolyn Bost, now a sophomore at Evans High School and the first Evans Idol winner in 2005-06, will return to the stage and perform at this year's event.