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Andrews – The Blue Stage’s third season of Andrews Idol weathered storms of varying degrees from technical difficulties to rescheduling finale nights because of contestants literally being unable to attend because of the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Gray Todd of Asheville sang her way to the winning title with a prize of $1,000 and studio recording time from 460 Sound Studio in Cleveland, Ga.
Todd was an early round one favorite but was unable to leave her hometown of Asheville due to roads being impassable.
She regaled the crowd with her velvety voice. For her finale, she chose the solid combination of both pop covers such as a low-key version of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” to “Something in the Orange” from Zach Bryan.
In an interesting twist this season, and although the contest drew fewer entrants overall, the finale was rebranded as The Fabulous Five instead of the usual four.
Taking second place is Stone Chauncey, who has already begun playing local venues since his debut in this season. Hailing from Hiawassee, Ga., Chauncey takes the $500 prize and wowed the crowd with his rendition of 49 Winchester’s “Everlasting Lover” along with the slow-burning turn of covering Percy Sledge’s “When A Man Loves A Woman.”
In the three-way tie for third through fifth places, and winning $250 each, were Sam Kephart of Murphy, who solidly brought down the house with each performance; Logan Neff of Candler, who also performed several original songs throughout the season; and Korben Towe of Blue Ridge, who gave both originals and many an obscure country cover throughout the many weeks of competition.
Details: Visit thebluestage.com.