Community Corner

Howell Girl Among Winners In First 2013 Freehold Idol

Performance of House of the Rising Sun wins Ramtown Elementary School girl a tie in first round competition.

A 10-year-old Howell girl from Ramtown Elementary School was among the top winners of the inaugural 2013 Freehold Idol singing competition, held Wednesday outside the Hall of Records. 

It was Amber Grant’s eccentric performance of  “House of the Rising Sun’’ that drew praise from the judges at the kick-off to this year’s summerlong competition. Grant tied with Erin McGuinness, 15, of Middletown, in the 10- to 15-year-old category. McGuinness sang “Stars,’’ by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.

The pair will move on to the next round of competition. 

Find out what's happening in Freeholdwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the 16- to 22-year-old category, 2012 finalist CJ Marsini, of Middletown, won the top spot with his rendition of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.’’

More than 150 attended Wednesday’s Idol competition, which will

Find out what's happening in Freeholdwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here