Caribou singer in CBS ‘Star’ final round

CARIBOU – Twelve-year-old Molly Bouchard has stars in her eyes.

Last Friday night, the daughter of Jeff and Bonnie Bouchard of Caribou claimed a semifinalist slot on “Star Search,” a one-hour CBS television variety and talent series, broadcast live from Hollywood. She sang “A Piece of Sky,” from the Barbra Streisand film “Yentl.”

Molly, whose voice coaches are Vicki King and Stephanie Plourde of Caribou, earned 33 points. She will go on to the final competition airing at 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 19. Viewers can vote for Bouchard online at www.cbs.com/star. The grand prize is $100,000.

“You nailed it!” emcee Arsenio Hall exclaimed Friday night after Bouchard finished singing.

“Baby, you are Broadway bound,” declared judge Naomi Judd.

Judge Ben Stein said, “I can see her on Broadway right now. Her dreams are going to come true. She’s amazing.” He gave her four stars.

Molly, with a score of 17, tied with Ashley Argota of California. Bouchard won with the America vote, scoring 33 ‘stars.’

Two nights before the Friday night show, Molly, the only girl on the Sleeper’s Little League baseball team in Caribou, made her debut appearance on “Star Search.” She sang “Journey to the Past” from the animated movie “Anastasia.” She lost the judges’ count to 13-year-old Tatiana McConnico of Atlanta, but won with the America vote.

“Little girl, you hit a home run with me,” said Judd. She gave Molly five stars, a rating Judd does not often give. She said Molly’s song and dress were “appropriate to her age” and praised her for singing on key.

Arsenio Hall asked Molly where she got her dress, a sleeveless green print A-line lightly spangled.

“Hawaii,” the 12-year-old replied. “I got it online.”

Monday morning Molly was a guest on the CBS Early Show.

Molly’s grandparents, Dale and Janet Bouchard of Madawaska Lake, said they fielded 100 phone calls from well-wishers the day after their granddaughter’s Wednesday night “Star Search” performance.

“We’re overwhelmed and thrilled,” said Bonnie Bouchard from Hollywood during a telephone interview Monday morning. “This is so big for Aroostook County and Maine and it has certainly opened many opportunities for her.”

The Bouchards expect to fly home this weekend. Bonnie Bouchard said the Caribou Chamber of Commerce is planning a big surprise celebration in Molly’s honor.

“As far as we know,” Bonnie Bouchard said, “Gov. Baldacci and Sen. Susan Collins will attend.”