Arts & Culture
Lehi singers astound Round-Up audience
Eleven talented performers took the stage at Wines Park on Friday, June 28, for the popular Lehi Round-Up event, “Lehi Idol.”
For the second year in a row, Carmen Rasmussen Herbert, a Lehi resident and American Idol frontrunner in 2003, hosted the show and helped ease the nerves of the performers. Composer and performer Sharon Hopkins, Miss Lehi Lindsey Larsen, and musician Dustin Kenyon, served as judges for the singing competition, all providing constructive and positive feedback to each of the competitors. The audience gathered under tents and on blankets in the shade was treated to 11 top-notch performances, then they voted for their favorites using text message. The tallied votes combined with the judges’ scores determined the winners of Lehi Idol.
Judges’ Choice and winner of $50 went to Jordan Jeffries. Jordan, a Lehi High School Graduate, sang Beyonce’s song “If I Were a Boy.” Her soulful, rich voice blew the judges away. “This is a big song! Amazing vibrato. Your performance was very polished,” said Dustin Kenyon.
Third place and winner of $75 was Desiree McKinnon, who sang “Let It Go” from the movie “Frozen.” McKinnon was the youngest contestant, commanding the stage with her big voice and, as Dustin Kenyon put it, Desiree had “breath for days.”
Kiersten Orellana won second place and $100. Orellana sang “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid.” In her feedback of the performance, Sharon Hopkins said, “The tone of your voice is perfect for that song, it’s that perfect Disney princess sound. Your crescendos were great, too.”
The 2019 Lehi Idol and winner of $150 was Coby Shelley. Shelley was the last person to perform and it was a big moment for the 20-year-old musician. When Carmen Herbert introduced Shelley, she revealed that he was facing his fears and singing in front of an audience for the first time. Shelley plays bass, piano, guitar, and is hoping to pursue a career in the music business. Despite a hiccup with the sound equipment that delayed his performance, Coby Shelley confidently belted out his version of the song “Stay” by Rihanna. The audience and the judges loved him. “My favorite quote is, ‘The two most important days of your life are the day you’re born and the day you learn why.’ You are here to filter music through your soul and give it to other people. You weren’t singing notes you were flawlessly singing phrases. Amazing delivery. My only critique is do it more!” said judge Dustin Kenyon.
