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Campbell Sophomore Wins Gimme the Mike!
Holland Marie Takes Third Season Title |
FOX 50 was the place to see TV on Wednesday, May 24th. Local hopefuls competed in the finals of the local singing competition FOX 50’s Gimme the Mike! just before the world learned who would become the next American Idol.
Nineteen- year-old Holland Marie won over the judges to capture the 2006 Gimme the Mike! title. Her version of Faith Hill’s “Like We Never Loved At All” and stunning black ensemble caused judge Holly Loman to say, “You are a born performer, and I think you’re ready now.”
The country music aficionado from Clayton won high praise from the judges and wild cheers from the fans. She bested five other finalists to take the win in the music-filled hour before the American Idol finale on Wednesday, May 24th.
2005 Gimme the Mike! winner Erica Davidson kicked off the night with an R&B number complete with back-up singer and rapper. She then took the stage the end the night, helping host Jim Kelly announce Holland Marie as the 2006 champ.
Sugar Hill recording artists The Duhks performed a single from their new album, due for release in September. Their funky sound recently earned them a Juno, Canada’s version of the Grammys, for Traditional & Roots Album of the Year.
The Wild Cards from the five regular season shows competed live on Tuesday night’s showdown for a last spot in the finals. Viewers voted to give one of them one last shot. Last year’s Ultimate Wild Card winner Lauren Wenick announced the 2006 winner as Jonathan Wood. He immediately had to take the stage and sing, rounding out the six finalist performances.
As the 2006 grand prize winner, Holland Marie will receive a demo from Osceola Recording Studios, a performance on the side stage at Alltel Pavilion, the opportunity to open for a national act at the Longbranch Entertainment Complex, consultation with management firm Murphy to Manteo, and four tickets on Southwest Airlines anywhere they fly.
