Erica Bragg has sung her way to victory in the 2017 Warren County A&L Fair Karaoke Contest.
“I’m shocked, but very, very happy,” said Bragg. “I wasn’t sure about entering the competition. It was, literally, a last-minute decision that I’m very happy I made.”
Bragg performed “Gunpowder and Lead” by Miranda Lambert during the first round. She said this was her first fair-related karaoke competition, but she’s not new at singing.
“I’ve sung since I was born, mostly in church. I really enjoyed doing this. I liked listening to the other performers, but the best part of this competition was the comradery between the contestants backstage. We were back there urging each other on and calming each other’s nerves. It was wonderful to be part of this.”
The event in its 14th year is presented by Dwayne and Bernadette Doud, co-sponsored by Bill Holt Chevrolet, and open to 20 competitors. They are allowed to pick their first song for round one. However, for the 10 who advance into round two, their second song is selected by random draw in sealed envelopes.
“Every song is going to have the word ‘rock’ in it,” said Dwayne. “This is going to be fun.”
Bragg’s envelope contained “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley, which propelled her into first place and a $125 cash prize.
Second place and $100 went to Bobby Leck, who took the attention of the judges with his delivery of “I Did It My Way” by Elvis Presley.
“And Elvis has left the building,” said Dwayne, as Leck made his way off stage.
Jay Martin performed “Enter Sandman” by Metallica and took third place and $75.
“Finally, some heavy metal to the competition,” said Dewayne, of Martin’s performance.
First-place winners are not allowed to compete for three years.