Burnley captures Patriot Idol title

Patriot Idol winner Aubrey Burnley sings “Cowboy Sweatheart.” Photo by Richard Sarmiento.

A senior criminal justice major sang her way into the hearts of a judge’s panel last week, walking away with a $1,000 check at this year’s Patriot Idol winner. Tyler native Aubrey Burnley finished the week-long competition with her rendition of “Cowboy Sweetheart” on Thursday night.

Burnley, who said she been singing since she was 5-years-old, said the prize money will help pay tuition. “It was a really tough competition,” she said. “I mean it wasn’t even like we were competing against each other because everyone was so great in their own way.”

Judges characterized Burnley’s performance as “entertaining” with good control of the vocal range. During Thursday’s finale the judges also awarded second place and a $250 prize to Sara Brazzill and $100 to Tessa Burrough for winning third place. The prize money was provided by the UT Alumni Association.

This year’s contest involved 23 people — including six men — who auditioned during three preliminary rounds before 10 finalists were chosen.
In addition to the top three finishers,  the other finalists were:
• Elizabeth Barrett
• Katie Caraway
• Audrey Hensley
• Kori Konon
• Jackie Moore
• Taletha White
• David Wilson

Sara Brazzill, second place winner, performs during a preliminary round. Photo by Ryan Hazelwood.

Tessa Burrough earned third place in the Idol competition. Photo by Ryan Pinkham.

Preliminary auditions were held on Tuesday and Wednesday with the finals being held in the HCN Ballroom. Judges scored contestants on appearance, tone, pitch, and range, stage presence, personality, song selection, and overall performance. The judges’ panel consisted of Chad Kurtz, Dr. Alisa White, Nancy Mayer, and Derrith Bondurant.

Scott Good, a senior in human resource development, served as the event’s host. During Thursday night’s finale, Kyle Piland, the 2008 Patriot Idol winner, sang and played two songs on his guitar. His acoustic version of “Disturbia,” won him first place last year.