Ozarks Got Singers

By Jody Shackelford – Ozark’s Got Singers, an American Idol style singing competition based out of Hillhigh Resort in Horseshoe Bend, AR., has finished its 12 weeks of performances and vocal volleys.
Fighting for top place nearly a hundred contestants fell to the wayside as the competitions powerhouses sang their way through the ranks.
Judging was tough thanks to the shear volume of talented performers. To make a well rounded decision and find our best overall winners, the judging cards looked at many different angles of the performance.
With contestants coming in from as far away as St. Louis, the majority were from right here in Spring River, with the top three being Spring River residents. We know the show was called Ozarks Got Singers, but by the way the results tallied, it should have been named Spring River’s Got Singers That Kick Your Face Off. Because these performers are so good that indeed, if their voices were large angry mixed martial arts fighters, faces would fly – off.
The top three winners are Waylon Collins in first place, Johnpaul Baker in second and Paige Davis in third. The talent gap is scant, as each is amazing and diverse in their musical abilities.
Waylon brought energy and a down home country sound that is in the arena of current chart topping artists. With several friends in the challenge, he nearly let the competition pass by but made a last minute decision that ultimately changed his life. Looking to do big things in the music industry he is already stirring up the dust at local venues. He is also looking forward to a BMI Records audition next month. Now, in full on star maker mode, Waylon says it is all thanks to Ozark’s Got Singers for the inspiration to go for it and capture that dream.
John Paul Baker, a performance stand out amazed audiences with his clever vocal range and tonal usage along with his adept guitar ability. Johnpaul would hit the microphone, smile and introduce, “An Original I wrote on Tuesday,” he said, performing two days later. Like something straight from radio, Johnpaul rocked the crowd with his clever lyrics and impressive melodies, which he also wrote. One highlight was a Beatles medley combining three songs into one seamless mix-mash of awesomeness.
Paige Davis stunned the judges with her strong and confident vocals. She effortlessly ran the vocal range in excellent song selections and added zest to the recipe with talented guitar accompaniments. For her last performance she sang an original she had written about her grandfather, a song that struck a chord with many. Beautifully sang and expertly played, Paige Davis is in position for high achievement with her talents.
The event was organized by Joe Beavers, Entertainment Director of Hillhigh Resort, and it was a huge success. “We had almost a hundred contestants coming from as far away as St. Louis, Missouri,” Ozark’s Got Singers organizer, Joe Beavers said.
Joe knows a thing or two about singing competitions as a professional performer himself. “The contest was basically a culmination of various contests that I had entered over the past 30 years. I think competition is a good thing. Competition brings out the best and worst in people. Competition teaches you how to handle winning and losing, and that is what life is all about; you win some, and you lose some. How you handle it is what makes the difference. A lot of people want their chance to show off their talents, and that is what the contest is for.”
Joe said that putting the event together was a task, but the real challenge was producing a radio show around the competition.
“I have never attempted such an undertaking. It has been a challenge to get the show ready on time for air,” Joe said.
The radio show, which broadcasts on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. on 92.3 FM KSAR, was a snapshot of the live performances. Now with the Spring contest over, the Best of Ozarks Got Singers now runs in its spot. Because of the level of talent, there is no shortage of material.
“The most pleasant surprise is the quality of talent in the contest. I honestly think that we have several contestants that are as good as any on American Idol this year. I would not be surprised to see a national star come out of this contest: the quality of talent is that good,” Joe said.
The reaction to the contest is very positive and gaining momentum. While earlier shows averaged around 100 guests, later shows were sold out at over 200 seats – a huge success for the competition and Hillhigh Resort.
Judging the contestants, there are several aspects of the performance that are graded, including vocal ability, stage presence, potential and more.
“I like to see showmanship and an audience connection from the contestants.
You can’t just stand there like a statue and expect to win. You have to own the stage for that 3 or 4 minutes,” Joe said.
As a seasoned stage performer Joe gave a few words of wisdom for those who wish to be a part of the Ozarks Got Singers phenomenon in the next competition.
“Practice, practice and practice. We are going to be signing up contestants for next year’s Ozark’s Got Singers in early November of this year. I am shooting for over $15,000 in cash and prizes for the next competition.”
The contest is enjoying abundant business and community support, which is lending to the prize pool as well as production value.
“Another nice surprise is the level of support I have received from the various sponsors of the contest. We had 11 spotlight sponsors and a host of small prize sponsors. Reeves Propane was the title sponsor of the contest. One other nice surprise is the Gene Williams television show has decided to showcase the overall winner on the show. The Gene Williams Show is carried on over 100 stations nationwide,” he said.
“I am excited about the Gene Williams Show!” Waylon said.
SRSG Magazine’s sponsorship of Ozark’s Got Singers includes a dynamic professional photo shoot and a full magazine spread. Along with the June Cover of SRSG Magazine to the top three winners, a cover we really wanted to stand out. Ever notice how there SRSG Magazines are hard to find? That is because people pick them up! (Insert lovingly sarcastic amazed face here)
Another huge prize for Waylon is a professionally mastered song by Lake Paradise Studios.
“Doug Diesel has the right idea when it comes to producing and promoting talent. I want to find the best talent so that Doug can take them to the next level. We are also going to be having an entertainment industry workshop with some of the top recording, and promotions people in the industry,” Joe said.
Ozarks Got Singers is a great experience for those looking for an incredible show.
For more information about Ozark’s Got Singers visit Hillhigh Resort’s website at www.Hillhigh.com and click the Ozark’s Got Singers page. See whole song performances by the top three winners at SRSGMag.com