A 2011 graduate of Bridgeport High School, Brandon LeRoy has emerged a top 10 finalist in West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Idol talent search.

 

Thirteen contestants entered Friday night’s elimination round which featured music from the 80s. LeRoy wowed the judges and the audience with Lionel Richie’s “Hello.” Since entering the competition weeks ago, LeRoy said he has tried to think outside the box with regard to performances. Last night was no exception.

 

“I started in the back of the ballroom and sang to the audience members while walking down the aisle, then directly in front of the judges’ table,” he said.

 

Elimination continues Sept. 26, when contestants will sing their favorite country music tune. Mountaineer Idol 2014 winds up Nov. 2 with the final night of competition.

 

About 50 WVU students entered this year’s Mountaineer Idol.  The process is very similar to “American Idol” and is affiliated with the famed TV show. In fact, In addition to a cash prize of $1,000, the winner on the collegiate level wins tickets and travel expenses to an upcoming "American Idol" episode. The runner-up will be awarded $750 and the third place finisher will receive $250. All prize money is provided by event co-sponsor, Coca-Cola.

 

The first Mountaineer Idol cut was made before a panel of local celebrity judges. LeRoy chose Josh Groban’s “Per Te” -  singing half the song in English and the other half in Italian. The second cut was Sept. 7 before judges and an audience at the Mountainlair ballrooms. That night, contestants performed a selection made famous by an “American Idol.” LeRoy again sang a Groban tune, this time selecting the power ballad, “Thankful.”  He said the number was ideal for his range and vibrato and that it worked to connect with members of the audience.

 

In preparation of his continuing “Mountaineer Idol” pursuit, LeRoy has been working with friend and fellow All Saints Catholic Church member Stephen Pishner on song choices, musical interpretation and overall performance.

 

“(Brandon’s) talent is constantly evolving because he's excited to be a musician through and through,” Pishner said. “He's open to all that music has to offer. He loves it and has a passion for its depths.”

 

LeRoy is open to a variety of musical styles - a definite positive, Pishner said. In part, that is likely connected to the approach used in the music ministry at All Saints.

 

“In regards to the genre of liturgical music, we draw from a variety of musical styles that evoke a vast assortment of sentiment, emotion and faith expression,” he said. “While he's not going to be competing using liturgical music, he is going to be competing using some of the concepts that are found in that kind of music and more.”

 

Pishner said LeRoy is perfect for this competition – and the title.

 

“That’s because whether he wins or not, he's still a person that is approachable, welcoming, thinks with his heart and is open to being of service to others,” he said. “In that regard, he's already a Mountaineer Idol.”

 

LeRoy said his sights are set – and that as the competition continues, he wants it more and more.

 

“It’s been absolutely amazing – very stressful and busy at some points, but definitely worth it,” he said. “It’s been great performing for everyone and making so many great new friends.”

 

The reigning Mountaineer Idol is Skip Smith, who said the experience has been a fantastic one. Other winners are Paris Winfrey, 2012; Chelsea Malone, 2011; Amanda Hughart, 2010; AJ Warne, 2009; Holly Hunsberger, 2008; Samantha Bartlow, 2007; Kasey Hott, 2006; Carlton Smith, 2005 and Joshua Jannotta, 2004.

 

Dates, times and themes of upcoming competition nights are as follows:

 

Friday, Sept. 26, 8 p.m., “Country” (Fall Family Weekend)

Friday, Oct. 3, 9 p.m., “Oldies” (Homecoming Weekend)

Friday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m., “Broadway and 21st Century”

Sunday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m., Final Competition