Special-needs ‘Idol’ contest inspires community, crowns winner

MENTOR, Ohio – Look out, Hollywood!
 
Northeast Ohio has talent.
 

The Vocational Guidance Center in Mentor has taken on American Idol in its fourth annual VGC Idol contest.
 
“It showcases what our people can do,” said Joan Frania, who organizes the competition, “Not what they can`t do, but what they can do.”
 
VGC is home to special-needs adults.
 
But today, 10 of them took the stage to showcase their talents.
 
“I can`t imagine getting up on the stage in front of all these people and singing and dancing, but they do, and they do it well,” Frania said.
 
Returning champ Julie Underwood admitted that every year, she feels the butterflies.
 
“I`m kind of nervous,” Julie she laughed. “I have to go first. Yes, I`ve never gone first. My nerves are getting me.”
 
Julie’s competed all four years and has placed in three. Her mom, Barbara, has never been more proud.
 
“Everybody needs their spotlight from day to day, and she just loves it,” Barbara said. “She just comes alive for it.”
 
Julie sang the Queen hit “We Will Rock You.”
 
“She just was gorgeous doing it,” Barbara said. “She was just in control.”
 
Julie said the contest isn’t about winning, but to show people that the group is talented, too.
 
“We’re standing, cheering, clapping, screaming for all of them, “said Joni Frank, a VGC worker, one of hundreds of people in attendance. “You will see it all. Every single person, no matter what their disability is, they love music. It’s great.”
 
This year’s contest winners are as follows:
First place – Jean Gillespie, “At Last” by Etta James
Second place – Canesia King, “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner
Third place – Christpher Dabson, “’Till You Come Back to Me” by Linda Eder
Fourth place – Julie Underwood, “We Will Rock You” by Queen