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The 2009 edition of Mountaineer Idol has been one to remember. From singing Broadway to country and everything in between, the original fifteen contestants had to endure the heat of competition.
What was once a field of fifteen contestants has now been narrowed down to three finalists: AJ Warne, Meghan Carlson and Nicole Mata.
While all three have excelled in this year’s competition, one will be named the 2009 Mountaineer Idol Sunday afternoon.
"I came into Mountaineer Idol not expecting very much, but found that it was a great contest with a lot of fierce competitors," Warne said. "I have really enjoyed getting to know and listening to the15 talented singers that have made up the Idol cast this year."
Mata, much like Warne, said she didn’t expect much from the competition but found great friends.
"I just took it step by step, and stayed humble and positive yet confident," Mata said. "It’s been a very exciting experience because you get the adrenaline rush from being on stage."
Mata aslo said she enjoyed making friends with people who had similar interests.
Though Carlson has had a stressful time competing, she, too, has enjoyed herself.
"My experience thus far has been amazing," Carlson said. "I’ve met so many great people and just am thankful I get to get on stage every Friday and do what I love to do."
Though each contestant in the final three has his or her own style, they all believe that they have their own unique, "special something" that sets them apart.
Mata feels as though she may be a tad underestimated.
"People automatically stereotype me as the little girl with a small voice, but I actually have a big voice," Mata said.
"I have my own unique style that I’m not afraid to share, regardless of what others think," Mata said. "I’m not afraid to bring out my personality through my songs, and I think it’s very important to stay true to who you are."
Carlson has an acoustic sound, bringing a guitar on stage on occasion.
I’m into more slow, acoustic songs," Carlson said. "But we all have our own style, which makes us all unique and worthy of the title of Mountaineer Idol."
Warne is confident that his training and experience will help him in the long run.
"I truly feel at home on stage, and I think it shows through my performance," Warne said. "I feel like everyone loves a guy crooning the classics to them, and that’s exactly what I intend on doing on Sunday."
While there can only be one Mountaineer Idol 2009, the final three plan on continuing singing in some form in their future.
"If I win or lose, I still want to be involved with Mountaineer Idol again," Carlson said. "But my friends and family are convincing me to try out for ‘American Idol,’ so we’ll see about that."
Warne said he’s never planned on a singing career, and it’s more of a hobby.
"If I win, I suppose that won’t change, as if I lose," Warne said. "I just love to have it as a past time, and I’ll occasionally sing at some weddings."
Mata hopes to continue singing for the rest of her life.
"I hope to find other outlets where I can share my vocal talents," she said. "I’ve been singing since I was a little girl, and nothing has ever stopped me from doing what I love."
The final three take the stage Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballrooms, and the winner will be named after the final round of competition.
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