Move over Taylor Hicks, there’s a new idol in town and he’s got a soulful sound.
Congratulations to Oxford Freshman Jalen Seawright who won the high school’s second annual ‘Oxford Idol? competition Sept. 21.
‘I wasn’t expecting to win it or anything,? said the 14-year-old. ‘I was there because a bunch of people told me to try out for it.?
‘I felt like I accomplished something and I could actually go somewhere with my voice,? Seawright noted.
Delivering powerful and inspiring performances, Searight sang ‘What’s Going On? by Marvin Gaye followed by ‘On Broadway? and ‘The Greatest Love of All,? both by George Benson.
‘It actually helped me to come out of my shell,? said Seawright, who competed against 13 other talented singers before an audience of about 340 people in the OHS Performing Arts Center. ‘It helped me to grow as a singer and a performer.?
Singing comes natural to Seawright who said his grandmother claims he started his vocal career at 6 months old while riding in the car.
‘I’ve never had any training,? said Seawright, who’s a big fan of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and the Temptations. ‘I sing just for the fun of it.?
For three years, Seawright has sang in the choir at Pontiac Church of God, where his father is the minister of music.
Although he plans to pursue a law career, Seawright said he’s going to ‘put some deep thought into? becoming a professional singer.
The popular Fox television show American Idol could be in Seawright’s future.
‘I might actually try out for that, I’m not sure,? he said.’I could see myself doing that.?
When he’s not singing, Seawright plays the alto saxophone in the OHS marching and varsity bands. He also plays piano.
Competing with Seawright at this year’s Oxford Idol were Jessica McLean, Amanda Ryskamp, Deborah Zenz, Amanda Hauxwell, Samantha Adams, Rachel Napoleon, Heather Workman, Alison Simons, Jacob Havener, Adrianne Schmidt, Melissa Francis, Marsha McMunn and Stephanie Schmidt.
Round one featured all 14 students singing Oldies.
Six contestants advanced to round two where they sang tunes from Broadway.
Ryskamp, Schmidt and Seawright were the finalists in round three, during which each singer chose their final song of the evening.
The first two rounds were judged by a panel which consisted of OHS Assistant Principal Paul McDevitt, high school teachers Catherine DePasquale and Scott Couch, and last year’s Oxford Idol winner Kaitlyn Sims.
Audience members cast ballots following the third and final round to select this year’s Oxford Idol.
Oxford Idol 2006 raised $1,000 for the OHS Drama Club.