New “Your Hometown Idols” sing to victory in Lyon Township
Your Hometown Idols
Juniors Division
1. Emma Guzman age 12, Mt. Clemens
2. Sophia Acevedo age 9, Pinckney
3. Cayla Stus age 11, South Lyon
Teen Division
1. Lisa Mary age 17, Sterling Heights
2. Bernadette Kathryn age 14, Sterling Height
3. Noah Bizer age 19, South Lyon
Adult Division
1. Ryan Talaga, Lyon Township
2. Randy Bizer, South Lyon
3. Bret Goley, Brighton
Lyon Township’s version of the “American Idol” singing competition has named one Oakland County and two Macomb County performers, “Your Hometown Idols.”
After a Sunday afternoon of performances at the sixth annual Lyon Township Kite Festival Extravaganza, Emma Guzman of Mt. Clemens, Sterling Heights’ Lisa Mary and Ryan Talaga from Lyon Township took first place in their respective age divisions. In addition to the title, each first place winner took home a trophy, cash and spa treatment services from Tamara Spa and Wellness of Farmington Hills.
New to the festival this year, the “Your Hometown Idols” event drew 20 singing-hopefuls from throughout Southeastern Michigan. Show producer Robin Wojta of Berkley explained that there were multiple winners because performers competed in three age divisions: Juniors, (ages 12 and younger), Teens, (ages 13-19) and Adults, (age 20 and older). First place winners in each division received a $100 cash prize, with $50 for second place “Idols” and $25 for the third place winners.
According to Wojta, local singing-star, Jena Irene of Farmington Hills, took second place in the “American Idol” competition, and the excitement still lingers.
“Other talented people want to follow in her footsteps and this competition is a chance to stand out,” said Wojta.
With a sky filled with kites of every size and color at New Hudson’s James Atchison Memorial Park, visitors celebrated summertime. Relaxing in bleachers and lawn chairs the audience cheered the singing hopefuls. In true “American Idol” tradition, the contestants bravely took the stage to perform, but only 14 survived the festival judges, earning a chance to compete in the mid-afternoon final round.
Among the finalists, 20-year-old Ryan Talaga of Lyon Township channeled Elvis, the youngest contestant Pinckney’s Sophia Acevedo, age 9, captivated the crowd accompanying herself on her guitar and 86-year-old Tom Logan of Livonia crooned Frank Sinatra.
Charlene and Marty Temple of White Lake were impressed with the level of talent.
“This could be the beginning for some of them,” said Charlene Temple. “Some could really hold the stage.”
The new “Idols” liked the sound of that. Ryan Talaga who plays football and is majoring in After Market Management at Northwood University says a singing career would be great fun, and says winning the competition could help.
In addition to the “Hometown Idols” competition, visitors to the four-day Lyon Township Kite Festival Extravaganza enjoyed radio controlled car races, a laser light show, live entertainment, amusement rides, refreshments, along with kite making and flying workshops.
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