2007 Mountaineer Idol

I won!
holy cow!! haha I really still, even now, can not believe it. I have also realized how much I don't really like the attention! HAHA I mean...I enjoy the spotlight...let's face it, I wouldn't be a performance major if I didn't...but I do NOT really like the attention from this. It's ok. I'm not gonna complain about it! I don't think I could be famous though! I tend to hide my face or shy away when people congratulate me in front of a large group of other people. haha Good thing God has called me to something else! :D

I figured I would put the articles from the Post and the DA in here for those of you (*coughBryanKatyandBethcough*) who live far away and won't be able to read them!
BUT FIRST!
I have to say thank you so much for all of your encouraging words throughout this competition. Thank you for putting up with only reading out this stuff for a couple months! haha It was only by the grace of God that I even had the chance to perform...or even have this voice! SO it all goes to Him. not me!




"Bartlow win '07 Mountaineer Idol"
by J. Myles Layton *The Dominion Post*
Samantha Bartlow, a budding opera singer, reigns as the 2007 Mountaineer Idol
Shortly after capturing the title Sunday at the Metropolitan Theatre, Bartlow said, "I don't know what to do with myself right now. I can't believe I won. I really, really can't."
Bartlow was still in shock when she was asked by The Dominion Post if she had any plans to go to Disney World like all those guys on TV after they win a Superbowl of World Series.
"I'm going to church tonight to thank God for everything," she said. "If it wasn't for Him, I don't believe that I would have the voice that I have, or the opportunity to use it."
A field of 65 contestants was narrowed to 15 semifinalists, who have been competing in various genres of music since August.
"If you were only and opera singer, and then you had to sing a country song when you got to the country genre...you would have to be a wellrounded singer to be able to sing the various genres of music required in this competition," said Sonja Wilson, Mountaineer Idol coordinator.
The finalists were Bartlow, Julie Cerrone, who was second place, and Nicole Mata, third place. On the final day of the competition, they each had to sing three songs. On Sunday, each of these finists was judged on three songs - one previously performed song, a new song and one selected by Kasey Hott, the 2006 Mountaineer Idol and master of ceremonies. The contestant with the highest score won $1,000.
"The finale showcases the hard work and effort that students have put into Mountaineer Idol," Wilson said. "Our winner, Samantha, belted out a diverse group of songs to sing the title of Mountaineer Idol - a title she will remember always."
Mountaineer Idol began in 2004 when WVU student Marci Lane sang herself to Hollywood for the third season of American idol. After being eliminated, she brought the idea back to WVU as a way to showcase student talent at the university.
Before the judges made their decision, The Dominion Post went backstage to interview the three finalists.
With long brown curly hari and brown eyes, Cerrone, 22, looks somewhat like American Idol sensation Kelly Clarkson. She was standing in a dimly lit hallway off stage and sang Ira nd George Gershwin's "Someone to watch over me."
"I've been practicing a lot," said Cerrone, 22, a WVU senior from Pittsburgh, who won second place in 2005. "I do this because I love being in the spotlight singing. Performing gives me a rush."
If Cerrone were ever to audition before notorious American Idol judge Simon Cowell, she said he would probably say she "has what it takes to be the next Americal Idol."
Bartlow, 22, a WVU senior, said she is definitely not what people would consider a pop princess. Though Bartlow belted out blues, pop and rock songs during the competition, in truth, this music major is more comfortable singing opera.
The statuesque 5-foot 11-inch blonde from Chapmanville demonstrated her range with a few notes from Puccini's "Tosca" that could probably shatter crystal and send that cliched fat lady at every opera house into a jealous rage.
If Bartlow were to audition in front of Cowell, she said he would say to her, "you don't have a very pop music voice, but I think you have good control."
Mata, 19, was born in the Philippines, but grew up in Charleston. The WVU freshman practices singing whenever she gest a spare moment.
"I sing into my iPod, in the shower, sometimes I even go to the Creative Arts Center and sing in one of hte practice rooms," she said. "It's whenever I have free time - but to me, school is first."
While Mata was waiting her turn to perform, she was sitting unnoticed in a small chair in the hall near the dressing rooms. Other performers didn't notice Mata as they walked pas her until she started singing "I have nothing," by Whitney Houston. All of a sudden, everyone took notice of the quiet, unassuming girl as her voice pierced souls with a soud that made Whitney a superstar.
Mountaineer Idol is officially sponsored by Coca-Cola, Fox 46 and "American idol."





"Bartlow wins Idol 2007"
by Shelly Davidov *The Daily Athenaeum*
After masterfully peforming three songs by vocally respected artists, Samantha Bartlow was named the 2007 Mountaineer Idol.
The Mountaineer Idol finale kicked off Sunday at 3pm to a packed and excited audience in the Metropolitan Theatre.
The show opened with a performance of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's version of "Ain't no Mountain High Enough" by eight Idol contestants, including finalists Bartlow, Julie Cerrone, and Nicole Mata.
For Round One, each finalist performed a number from a previous round that best displayed her talent and skills.
Mata took the stage first performing Alicia Keys' "How Come you Don't Call Me?" Mata put sass and soul into her performance, showing for the first time true confidence in her singing.
Bartlow gave another jaw-dropping performance of Kristin Chenoweth's "The Girl in 14G," using her operatic and acting skills to wow the crowd.
Cerrone finished Round One with Whitney Houston's version of "I will Always Love You." The audience loved her dramatic style and use of the stage.
As previous contestant Jessica Zapadka sang Ashlee Simpson's "Unreachable," the finalists prepared for Round Two.
For their second performances, the girls had to perform songs selected by the hosts.
Mata started off the round with Tina Turner's "Proud Mary." In addition to controlled, clear lyrics and vocals, Mata got into character, portraying attitude during the spoken parts of the song.
The song chosen for Bartlow was Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love." Though not that comfortable with the song, she showed off her vast higher register.
Singing the techno version of Leann Rimes, "How Do I Live?" Cerrone walked to the stage from the back of the theatre. Despite some flat notes, Cerrone interacted with the audience and had fun with her performance.
As the finalists prepared for the final round, the show welcomed more past contestants to the stage.
Priscilla Brock showed her country skills with a performance of Martina McBride's "When God Fearin Women get the Blues," while Ryan Russman channeled Broadway with "I Know Where I've Been," from Hairspray. Russman not only gave a consistent performance, but brought emotion and commanding vocals to the moving song.
For the last round of the show, the finalist performed a song of their choice.
Mata selected "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston. Though she started strong, Mata couldn't reach the higher notes from the song's key change. She held her composure, but Mata struggled with the rest of the number.
Bartlow chose Christina Aguilera's "Mercy on Me." Baring her soul through the music. Bartlow effortlessly flowed through Aguliera's difficult runs and lengthy notes.
Cerrone closed the final round with an a cappella performance of Ella Fitzgerald's "Someone to Watch over Me," which she dedicated to her grandmother. Though she held nothing of Fitzgerald's fluid, rich tone, the crowed loved Cerrone's belting.
While the judges tabulated the scores, more performers took the stage.
After performances by past contestants, Alex Aide and Wayne Riley, Jaqueline Dooley and the Umoja Voices of Joy choir performed a gospel number with the finalists.
After the song, hosts Kasey Hott and Nick Bartic returned with the final scores of the evening.
Mata was named second rummer-up, winning a prize of $250. Cerrone was named first runner-up, winning $750, making Bartlow the Idol winner.
Smiling and laughing through her shock, Bartlow accepted her $1,000 check.
Bartlow's shocked disbelief continued even after the show. "I thought I was going to get third place."





There you go!
Sorry it was such a novel.