Singers compete in Cannon Idol

Kaysee Rosario downed some honey to soothe her throat; Marc Hightower ran vocal runs to warm up his chords.

Christina Calloway: Cannon Connections

Cannon Idol contestants show good sportsmanship at the end of the competition as they pose for pictures. They said they truly enjoyed preparing for the competition and performing for the base.

Rosario, Hightower and five other contestants prepared to give it their all for Cannon Idol at Cannon Air Force Base on Saturday, vying for $300 and a two-hour recording session.

A Cannon medical records officer and new mother, Tawny Foreman, said she's been singing since she could talk. This is her fifth year performing in Cannon Idol and she was eager to show the crowd her improvement.

"I'm gunning for the title this year," Foreman said before the competition. "Because singing is basically my life. I love to perform."

The supportive crowd filled with family, friends and airmen, sat awaiting for the show to begin. Contestants has their own cheering sections just eager to scream their name, some sections even with custom-made signs.

The judging table had a more solemn tone because they were preparing to make some tough decisions.

Nichols Cody of Cannon's Logistics Readiness Squadron said as a judge, he had specific criteria for the contestants performance.

"I'm looking for good showmanship," Cody said. "Even though these are songs we're familiar with, originality and singing from the heart is important."

Cody spent two years with an entertainment group in Europe and has been a judge for Cannon Idol in previous years. He's been playing in bands since the age of 13, his specialty being keyboard and drums.

"My hope for the evening is that it's entertaining and engaging," Cody said.

Tyleen Caffrey, military wife and local disc jockey, got on the mic and got the crowd riled up for performances.

She introduced the other judges, Shelly Tucker and Barry Browe.

Each contestant got to sing three songs to showcase their talent. The night's performances ranged from ballads to upbeat songs that had the crowd clapping along.

Some contestants even went through outfit changes, just like American Idol contestants.

The contestants also ranged in experience. Some were former Tops in Blue performers. Others play in local bands and have competed in the competition before.

After round two, judges said this was going to be a tough decision. So in round three, contestants gave it their all.

Jette Carr, a public affairs officer at Cannon, danced around the ballroom. Marco Puente rocked out on his guitar to songs by Journey and Lenny Kravitz.

Heather Mullins gave a sassy performance kicking her heels up to Michael Buble and Jennifer Edwards, 2010's winner, sang country music to showcase her vocal abilities.

After the third round, judges deliberated for about 20 minutes before naming winners.

The honey may have done Rosario some good because she was named the winner. Carr placed second and Hightower and Mullins tied for third. The other contestants were told by Cody to continue what they're doing because they were all talented.

Rosario, a military wife, said she competed just for the fun of it.

After the winners were announced, contestants embraced and some vowed, they would be back again.