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4 advance to 2023 Gila Idol finals at Venue prelim

There must be something about SAFFORD — The Venue on Main that brings out the best singers.

For the second year in a row, the judges broke the format to select four singers who will advance to the 2023 Gila Idol Finals in a qualifier held at the main venue on Thursday.

Judges typically select three finalists in each qualifier to secure a 20-man field for the finals on March 23rd at the David M. Player Center for the Arts.

Andy Davis made the crowd smile with his finals-worthy “I Like It, I Love It” during Thursday’s qualifiers. – David Bell Photography/Gila Valley Central

Qualifying for the final was Andy Davis, who sang “I Like It, I Love It.” Natoni Leighton at the premiere singing “Redneck Woman.”

“I had a baby a few months ago and wanted to do something for myself, so I decided to audition,” Leighton said. “I wanted to do something I loved and was passionate about.”

Natoni Leighton earned a spot at the 2023 Gila Idol Finals for her performance of “Redneck Woman.” – David Bell Photography/Gila Valley Central

Away from country was finalist Tanner Johnson, former Battle of the Band winner, who performed the rock song “Bleeding”.

“It’s a completely different experience than playing on stage, I can say that,” Johnson said. “I think it’s just because it’s raw and doesn’t have a guitar or bass player to cover the mess.”

Tanner Johnson’s rendition of the song “Bleeding” earned him a spot in the 2023 Hira Idol Finals. – David Bell Photography/Gila Valley Central

The fourth finalist was Tyler King, who chose the pop song “Power of Love.” Her performance captivated the judges.

“I don’t consider myself a performer, but I sing on stage every day,” said King. “Performers are incredible creatures (and) I hope to one day be like that.”

A long drive out of Tempe didn’t weaken Tyler King’s “Power of Love” performance in Thursday’s qualifying. – Photo by David Bell/Gila Valley Central

The two singers will get another chance to reach the finals when they perform at Callback Night on March 9th at the Graham County Chamber of Commerce. it will rain. “

Rachel Flatt (left) and Hunter Chamberlin have been selected to sing again at the Callback Night at the Graham County Chamber of Commerce on March 9. – Photo by David Bell/Gila Valley Central

The judges also chose one alternate, Payton Raban, who sang “Story of My Life.” Alternates will be selected for each qualifier and a public vote will be held at GilaValleyCentral.net the week before the finals. The person with the most votes will be the finalist.

Online voters will decide if replacement Payton Raban should advance to the 2023 Gila Idol finals. – David Bell Photography/Gila Valley Central

The judge was 2018 Gila Idol winner Pete McCormick. He also opened the night with a performance of the song “Whatever It Is,” with 2008 winner Adam Krohn and his 2016 winner Briana Morris.

The 2017 Darin Kamae winner sang “Time of Your Life” and “Redemption Song” during the jury deliberations.

The judges for the 2023 Gila Idol qualifier held at the main venue on Thursday are, from left, 2016 Idol winner Briana Morris, 2008 Idol winner Adam Krone, and 2018 Idol winner Pete. It was McCormick. – David Bell Photography/Gila Valley Central

All Thursday performances can be seen at Gila Idol 2023 Double R Grill. Gila Valley Central.Net.

The next qualifier will take place on Thursday, February 9th at 6:30pm at the Safford Bowl, sponsored by Richard’s Music.

The winner of the final on March 23rd will receive $2,000 in cash.

Sponsors of the 2023 Gila Idol include Valley Telecom Group. Mac’s NAPA Auto Parts; Richard’s Music Company; Double R Bar and Grill. Freeport-McMoran; Valley Furniture and Appliances; Tyson Richins – Edward Jones Investments; Swire Coca-Cola; Trophies ‘N Tees; KATO 1230 AM.

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