Mary Branch hadn?t sung a solo for 40 years, but all eyes were on her Tuesday as she belted out “Lean on Me” at the second annual Maryland Senior Idol.
“It has been a wonderful experience,” said Branch, of Baltimore County, who broke her no-solo streak in August to audition for the contest.
The 68-year-old was among 18 finalists between the ages of 52 and 78 from the Baltimore area to vie for the top honor. The event, complete with a panel of judges and an audience, was held at the Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park.
“We thought if the youngsters can do it, the seniors can do it as well,” said Jo Ann Cason, program coordinator for the senior citizens division of the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, which hosted the event.
Ron Walls, of Harford County, rode to victory with his rendition of “I Came Here to Praise the Lord.” He walked away with a $250 prize package that includes dining, travel and entertainment.
Alice Wilhoit, of Baltimore County, placed as the runner-up after singing “I Will Always Love You.”
Proceeds from admission will go to support a senior center in Gulfport, Miss., which was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.
Last year?s contest raised $4,000 for the National Office on Aging, and Cason said she expects to raise “several thousand dollars” this year.
Contestant Joe Pacana, 59, who donned a tuxedo to sing “New York, New York,” said he entered on a whim after seeing an ad in the local paper. But now he plans to stay in touch with his new singing friends.
“This is terrific,” he beamed after performing.
Performers at Maryland Senior Idol
» Anne Arundel: Bob Brewer, Maynard Huddleston and Paul Leatherman
» Baltimore City: Faydonia Johnson, the Rev. Richard Morgan, Rabi?ah Yahya and Marlene Zechman
» Baltimore County: Mary Branch, Henry Butz, Albert Harold, Eugene Langbehn, Gini Pielke, Charlene Street and Alice Wilhoit
» Harford: Leo Mahoney, Joe Pacana, Ron Walls and Fran Wheeling
