Jourdain crowned ‘Quest’ champ Shortreed wins ‘Kiddie Quest’

Courtney Jourdain was crowned the 2005 “Quest for the Best” winner Monday night while judges named Katelyn Shortreed as the first-ever “Kiddie Quest” champion.
Jourdain, who originally hails from Lac La Croix but now lives in Thunder Bay, wowed the sold-out crowd of 2,000 and judges alike with her soulful rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Don’t Play That Song” under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina.
Not only did Jourdain earn the first-place prize of $500, but she also won the People’s Choice award for the first set ($150) and the Contestants’ Choice award ($100).
Tim Grover of International Falls claimed the second-place prize ($300), as well as the Most Original award ($100), for his rendition of Van Morrison’s “Brown-Eyed Girl.”
And past “Quest” competitor Sarah Hebert nabbed the third-place prize ($200) after getting the crowd going with Gretchen Wilson’s “Here For The Party.”
Ed Calder, who sang and played guitar while performing Cinderella’s “Shelter Me,” won the People’s Choice award for the second set ($150).
And Cara Coran, another familiar face at “Quest,” claimed the Audience Response award ($100) after singing Jo Dee Mesina’s “My Give A Damn’s Busted.”
The other “Quest” performances included:
•Jodi Allan—“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson;
•Kim Badiuk—“Angels” by Jessica Simpson;
•Shantelle Davidson—“Baby Girl” by Sugarland;
•Sarah Fitzgerald—“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor;
•Rachel Geense—“Suddenly” by LeAnn Rimes;
•Jason Godin—“I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain;
•Brittany Hayes— “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin;
•Wayne Lawres—“Les Bicyclettes de Belsize” by Engelbert Humperdinck;
•Elizabeth Logue— “Something to Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt;
•Leah Nowak—“Something More” by Sugarland;
•Ashley Sisco—“In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride;
•Neill Stewart—“Borderline” by Madonna;
•Karri Tougas—“When God-Fearin’ Women Get The Blues” by Martina McBride;
•Robyn Wade—“I Know” by Save Ferris;
•Jeremy Wilson—“Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2; and
•Trisha Wilson—“On A Night Like This” by Trick Pony.
< *c>‘Kiddie Quest’
Meanwhile, Shortreed came out on top at the inaugural “Kiddie Quest,” not only taking first-place ($150) but also the Audience Response award ($50), after singing LeAnn Rimes’ version of “Unchained Melody.”
The second-place winner was Ericka Tymkin of Rainy River, who pocketed $100 for her rendition of Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman,” while Bridget Jorgenson of Fort Frances placed third ($75) after singing Hilary Duff’s “Someone’s Watching Over Me.”
The other performers, all of whom received a $10 gift certificate from main “Kiddie Quest” sponsor Sears Canada, included:
•Chelsea Carlson—“Life Is A Highway” by Tom Cochrane;
•Amber Hoszowski—“You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain;
•Elysia Huitikka—“Behind These Hazel Eyes” by Kelly Clarkson;
•Erika Jourdain—“All You Wanted” by Michelle Branch;
•Rebecca Lowey—“Freak Out” by Avril Lavigne; and
•Julie Martin—“Last Kiss” by Pearl Jam.
Besides the contestants, the audience also was treated to a few bonus performances last night.
Kayla Lauzon, last year’s “Quest for the Best” champ, was on hand to sing two Dolly Parton songs—“Power of Love” and “Rockin’ Years.”
As well, Louis Bruyere of 92.3 FM “The Wolf” sang an original song, “Take This Away,” after the second set was over but before judges announced the winners.
And back-up band “The Faculty,” consisting of Chris Denby, Steve Denby, Rob Donaldson, and Jim Newman, once again proved they’re stars in their own right, having to learn well over 30 songs in the few weeks prior to last night’s competition.
“The Faculty” also performed several songs during intermission and while judges calculated the scores.
Cathy Richards and Brian Haggarty emceed both “Kiddie Quest” and “Quest,” and even did an “Austin Powers” bit—featuring Fort High cheerleaders—before “Quest” got underway.
Judges included tour de Fort director Kim Cornell, 2003 “Quest” winner Alyson Booth, and B•93 FM personality Mike Freeman.
“Quest” was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, B•93 FM, Sears Canada, Daryl’s Custom Landscaping, Super 8 Motel, Tess’s Kitchen, Northern Lights Credit Union, Holmlund Financial Services, Fort Floral, MP Ken Boshcoff, and In Focus Photography.