Lindsay Campbell
The “Emo Walleyedol” singing competition returned to the Emo Walleye Classic on Friday night.
After not being held for several years, contest organizer Maverick Judson, who also acted as emcee for the evening, admitted he wasn’t sure if it would be a go this year, either.
“Three or four days ago, we only had four contestants for the entire competition,” he noted afterwards.
“I’m really happy that we were able to get some last-minute entries so we could put this on for another year.”
The competition—held at the Emo-La Vallee Arena—drew three entrants in the “Minnow” division (kids) while six performers (five acts) vied for first-place honours in the adult one.
This year’s judges were past “Walleyedol” champ Brittany Hayes, Kings of None lead vocalist Dave Byrnes, and local rapper “Brok_Homz.”
The contestants were judged on vocal ability, stage presence, crowd appreciation, song choice, and overall impression.
Piper Lidkea took home first place in the “Minnow” division with her rendition of “Bright” by Echosmith.
Brianna Eldridge, who sang “Glow” by Ella Henderson, was second, followed by Janissa Judson—singing “Titanium” by David Guetta—in third.
Lidkea, who competed in “Walleyedol” for her first time, said it felt great to win the title.
But what mattered more to her was that she was doing something she loves.
“I like doing this stuff for fun, and I love that you can just be happy and be yourself on stage,” she remarked.
“But what I really loved was how they had first, second, and third place,” Lidkea added.
“That way we were all winners. It made me feel happy.”
The nine-year-old added she hopes to take the stage again next year.
In the adult division, songstress Kayla Lauzon won over both the judges and the crowd with her performance of Carrie Underwood’s “Something in the Water.”
“It feels awesome to win a first-place title,” she enthused.
“But overall, I think it went really well,” Lauzon added.
“I just have to say congratulations to all the other contestants because I think that everyone did a great job.”
The sister duo of Laurel Mose and Trish McQuaker sang “Leave the Pieces” by the Wreckers, which earned them second place.
The other competitors were Ernie Tibold, Joey Payeur, and Gary Judson.
Judge Brittany Hayes said she and the other two judges were extremely impressed with what the contestants were able to bring to the stage.
But she said choosing a winner in the adult division came easy for her.
“There’s so much talent here,” Hayes noted. “But I had shivers from Kayla’s performance and that was a really big indicator for me.
“Ultimately, everybody who got up there tonight did a really good job,” Hayes added.
“I thought that it was a great night of entertainment all around.”
Hayes said she was happy that “Emo Walleyedol” was able to run this year because she believes it’s important for local performers to share their love of music.
“Props to the [EWC] committee to keeping this competition going because it’s just a great way to showcase local talent, and there really aren’t that many ways for people to get out and do that here,” she reasoned.
