Caribou girl loses final round on ‘Star Search’

CARIBOU – Molly Bouchard’s confident smile did not waver Wednesday night as all four “Star Search” judges each gave her four stars in the final round of competition.

Her score of 16 fell four points shy of the 20 points of her rival.

The America vote boosted Molly’s score to 32, but Danny Archuleta of Sandy, Utah, garnered 35, landing him the $100,000 grand prize.

Molly, 12, who is from Caribou, and her parents, Jeff and Bonnie Bouchard, are expected to return to Maine soon. Efforts on Wednesday to reach the family were unsuccessful.

In a video clip shown just before her third performance on CBS’ “Star Search” live from Hollywood, Molly said that the experience made her realize that she “could become a superstar.”

In her red dress with a band of glittery black ribbon trim, Molly was more reminiscent of a young – albeit blond and blue-eyed – Judy Garland than Britney Spears as she sang “This is the Moment” from the musical “Jekyll and Hyde.”

When Molly, who celebrated her 12th birthday in January, returns to Caribou, she will be the guest of honor at an informal surprise reception organized by the Caribou Chamber of Commerce.

“Neither Governor Baldacci nor Senator Susan Collins plan to attend,” said Pam Wyman, membership and projects coordinator of the Caribou Chamber of Commerce.

The gathering is scheduled tentatively for 1 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at Caribou Middle School.