And instead of “Idol” judge Simon Cowell’s snarky jabs, attendees collaborated with three well-behaved, deservedly appreciative arbiters in picking the winner.
Jilliann Law, a 22-year-old music teacher from Grand Forks, won over the judges and audience with an effortless, inspired performance of the cabaret standard “Stars and the Moon,” about the cracks at seduction of several sketchy suitors.
She snatched more than $13,000 in prizes, from a session at the Makoche Recording Company to a New York City escapade to $3,000 in cash – which she debated spending on her student loans or a trip to Ireland.
“It’s going to be a great night – North Dakota Talent Search – and boy, have we found some talent,” promised North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad, who along with Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson sponsored the contest on the eve of the annual Marketplace for Entrepreneurs.
Conrad’s prediction was on target, with impeccable performances from across the music spectrum. Valley City’s Bridget Ertelt belted out a Mozart aria. Fargo North High sophomore Sara Laske rivaled musical idol Alanis Morissette with her own rocking composition, “Baby I Won’t,” about cracking down on a boyfriend’s games.
Rachel Crooks, of Grand Forks, covered Carole King’s jazzy “One Fine Day” in a rich, deliciously husky voice.
The crystalline-voiced Samantha Riehl, a high school junior who used to sing “Old McDonald” to the calves on her Raleigh farm, performed a Christian ballad she composed.
“Lucky cows, huh?
” quipped folksy musician and host Chuck Suchy, who, along with Richard Torrance and his high-spirited band, helped the young contenders navigate the stage.
Eventually, though, the judges – Makoche President David Swenson, Cheney Middle School music teacher Susan Morken and Prairie Public Radio “Hear It Now” host Merrill Piepkorn – picked Law, a native of Erie, Pa.
“I listened to some of the contestants earlier today, and I definitely knew I had my work cut out for me,” Law said after wiping off tears on stage.
“This was by no means an easy win.”
She was already beginning to lean toward the trip to Ireland.
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