Talent contest semifinalists are announced

Advancing to the semifinals are: Nolan Campbell, Jeremy Dodson, Kelcie Fearing, Dana Holland, Patricia Isom, Stefanie Jewell, Bobby Leck, Dwayne Leck, Heidi Leck, Lia Lorance, Greg Mangum, Stacy McCoy, Josh Morton, Lacy Pack, Lynn Parker, Larry Powell, Travis Prater, Tennille Reeves, Lee Roberts, Samantha Terrell, Terian Turner, Heather Hyatt Van Camp, Kelly Walker, and Diana Wooten.

‘We are delighted with the quality and quantity of these semifinalists’, said Vaughn. ‘They are talented with a capital T. They also represent a good mix of local, state and regional interest in the contest, with contestants coming from near and far.’

Vaughn’s praise for the semifinalists was echoed by Dottie West Music Fest project director Bill Myers, who added ‘I can’t believe how good these semifinalists are. I don’t envy the judges who will have to winnow them down to the top five finalists and then the top three winners.’

The talent contest will be held Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Warren County Fairgrounds. The semifinals run from 3:30 to 6 p.m. The finals are from 9 to 10 p.m.

Following the semifinals, performers Wood Newton, Karen Staley, George Teren, and Jacky Jack White will honor Dottie West, with songs from their respective repertoires of top tunes for such artists as Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, and Steve Wariner.

Headlining the show at 8 p.m. will be Dottie’s daughter, Shelly, a hit-maker in her own right, with a string of songs, including ‘You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma’ and ‘Jose Cuervo.’ It will be a nostalgic return to her mother’s hometown for Shelly. She performed at the first Dottie West Music Fest in 1994.