CoRC, First Six crown first D-M Idol winner

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Copeland
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Tucson High School Auditorium was filled with an anxious crowd of friends, family, co-workers, and members of the local community to support five individuals who competed July 11 for three hours of studio time and the title of D-M Idol 2008.

The five contestants, Tech. Sgt. Gary Bonnet, an intelligence analyst with the 214th Reconnaissance Squadron, Staff Sgt. Chris Forman, a Sierra Vista recruiter with the 362nd Recruiter Squadron, Staff Sgt. Sonya Nelson, a plans and scheduling technician with the 355th Maintenance Operations Squadron, Senior Airman Michael Gisi, an enlisted accessions recruiter with the 362nd RS and Jolene Dedmon, a secretary in the 355th Contracting Squadron endured numerous tryouts until the final five were chosen to compete in the finale.

The evening began with an opening performance by local Tucson band, Kool Shades, followed by the contestants performing the first of their two songs of the night.

After all five contestants performed, the judges provided feedback on the contestant's individual performance.

To allow each competitor time to prepare for the next round, the audience was serenaded by Crystal Stark, a Tucson native who appeared on American Idol, performing "Make it Happen," by Mariah Carey.

The five contestants returned to the stage shortly after and the competitors performed their final song for the judges and audience.

After allowing the judges deliberation time, the judges announced the winners beginning with third place.

Sergeant Bonnet received the third place title and Sergeant Nelson won second place.

Miss Dedmon took the 2008 D-M Idol title.

"It felt great to win," she said. "The other contestants were extremely talented and I was very nervous to hear the judge's decision."

Miss Dedmon credits her vocal abilities to choir directors she has worked with, in addition to voice lessons taken over the years.

"I joined my church's children's choir when I was four and I've been singing since," she said. "I keep an eye out for any local competitions I can enter. I just enjoy going and singing."

With a love for country music, R & B, classic rock and oldies, Miss Dedmon plans to use her newly won studio time to record an original song and plans to continue to enter contests.

With unbridled talent and a humble attitude, Miss Dedmon expresses gratitude for those who have helped her.

"I just want to thank my squadron for coming out to the shows and being so supportive," she said.