Cannon chooses its own 'idol'

There can be only one. And only one remained June 28 after the Landing hosted Cannon Idol, where 10 singers from on and around base sought to prove they had the best vocal skills in front of their peers, friends, family and judges.

The first prize of $200 went to Ashley Balter. The second and third prizes of $175 and $100, respectively, were awarded to Sharon Dictson and Sr. Airman Adrian Ables, of the 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Contestants sang one song for each of three rounds for the judges. The judges’ panel consisted of Col. Timothy Leahy, 27th Special Operations Wing commander; 27th SOW Command Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Fischer;, and Staff Sgt. Naomi Brown, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Operations Squadron.

Before being selected to participate in the final 10, singers went through an audition process, singing a song of their choice for approximately a minute, said Staff Sgt. Aron Lee, 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, who emceed the event.

The taped auditions were reviewed by a member-panel of Cannon’s Middle Tier organization, who then selected finalists to participate in the cutthroat entertainment showcase at the Landing.

The finalists sang cover songs by such artists as No Doubt, Carrie Underwood, Luther Vandross, and more.

“I was extremely pleased with how our Cannon family showed their support,” said Lee. “The contestants sang to a packed house. With almost every seat taken, some late-arrivals became standing-room only fans.”

“We couldn’t have imagined that it would have turned out the way it did,” said Lee. “It’s awesome to see how a small idea can transform into a huge event where everyone seemed to be entertained and enjoy themselves."