Local teen headed for ‘American Idol’

BANGOR – Lindsay Bridges is anything but “Blue.”

Belting out a pitch-perfect version of Lee-Ann Rimes’ soulful breakout hit Saturday, the Orrington teenager secured her chance at fame – an audition for “American Idol.”

An honor student with long brown hair, bluejeans and a shy smile, Bridges will be a contender for the show’s ingenue. She sings in school musicals at Bucksport High School.

She’s the girl next door. That is, until she opens her mouth.

Bridges beat out about 75 other contestants to win a trip to the show’s open auditions in Chicago next month, during the third annual “Eastern Maine Idol” competition at the Bangor Mall this weekend.

This was the 17-year-old’s second try at the title. Last year, the soon-to-be high school senior competed and was “devastated” by the loss, said her mom, Pamela Hafford.

And this year?

“It’s awesome,” Hafford said, after hugging her daughter backstage.

The thought of facing notoriously nasty “Idol” judge Simon Cowell has Bridges nervous, but she’s excited about the opportunity, she said, struck almost speechless by her win Saturday.

Some of the morning’s contestants were high school kids on a lark, others were experienced musicians trying to build a career.

“When you’re just performing, it’s different. The goal in this is much larger,” said Shanna Harvey of Belfast, one of Saturday’s 11 finalists and a lifelong singer whom friends affectionately call “diva.”

Each was required to sing a cappella, all alone on the makeshift stage. Some reveled in the attention, deploying cowboy hats, revealing outfits and well-placed yodels in an attempt to win over the crowd. Several brought their own cheering sections.

For a few, the experience was so intimidating that they trailed off mid-verse to flee the spotlight.

“I sing every weekend, but this is different,” said Anna Roman of Dexter, who performs in a local country and classic rock band. “It’s so nerve-wracking to go up those stairs.”

The event’s sponsors – Z107.3 radio, Fox 22 TV and Burger King – will pay for Bridges and her family to travel to Chicago for the Sept. 16 audition.

“The rest is up to her,” deejay Meredith Mitchell said Saturday. “I don’t think she’ll have too much to worry about.”

The other 10 finalists were: Lisa Knowlton, Orono; Holly Beaulieu, Brownville; Jaime Doucette, Fairfield; Paul Dumont, South Portland; Jennifer Gordon, Orono; Shanna Harvey, Belfast; Justin McCown, Ellsworth; Eric Peltier, Milbridge; Jeremy Porter, Portland; and Reagan Faulkingham, Southwest Harbor.