University Chronicle

Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Ammie Phipps Portsmouth Idol winner Jason Raby enjoyed the accolades of success after taking the contest Friday Feb. 26 in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.

February 26, 13 contestants took the main stage of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, with a hope of singing their way to winning cash prizes totaling $1000 in this year's, Portsmouth Idol.

Minford resident Jason Raby walked away with the title of the 2010's Portsmouth Idol. There was a tie for second place, therefore both Jessica Scott and Bobby Blanton were named second place.

Along with the title, Raby took home a cash prize of $600.

"I plan to take the prize money and use it to invest in clothes and equipment, as well as promoting myself, it order to launch my singing career," he said. "I wanted to come and not let anyone down. Winning has given me hope for the future. I'm planning on a career in singing, however I'm still looking for a band. Anyone interested?"

Raby sang "Troubador" by George Strait.

"My family helped pick my song and I only sing country, well for now," he said.

Raby has won first place in several local singing competitions including Southern Ohio Opry, the McDermott Karaoke Contest and Edgewood Manor Talent Contest.

"I just want to get my name and voice out there, give everyone a sample of me," Raby said.

However, Raby said that he does not have any plans for auditioning for American Idol.

"Over 25 contestants auditioned," said Stan Workman, contest judge and one of the show's producers. "When choosing contestants we look for several qualifications, voice quality, stage appearance, diction and of course memorization."

The contestants were chosen by five judges, Stan Workman, John Huston, Myra Parker, Shirley Crothers-Marley and Justin Wiget.

Portsmouth Idol is a fundraiser for Southern Ohio Light Opera (SOLO), both funding and promoting the organization.

"We were looking for ways to benefit SOLO and thought of one of the most popular pop culture entertainments, American Idol," Workman said. "(SSU professor) John Huston produced a similar show at the college he formally worked in. It was a great success, so we decided to go for it."

Portsmouth Idol is becoming a tradition at Shawnee State University. This is the third year contestants have graced the Shawnee's main stage.

"We plan to continue Portsmouth Idol so long as it continues to draw a crowd and be a good fundraiser for SOLO," Workman said. Since the prize money is donated by anonymous sponsors we can keep it strictly a fundraiser."

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