HOULTON – It was the vocalists who performed near the last half of the competition that ended up finishing first on Sunday evening, as three local residents were tapped to head to the finals during the first portion of the Aroostook Idol competition.

Houlton residents Andy Gendron and Roger McGary, along with Joshua Fish of Weston, were selected by the audience as the top three vocalists at the second annual event, which is the local spinoff of Fox TV’s “American Idol.”

Presented by the United Way of Aroostook, the fundraiser netted UWA more than $30,000 last winter.

Claudia Stevens, UWA’s executive director, said Tuesday that the show raised more than $2,400 in ticket sales alone, not counting sponsorship revenue.

The money raised goes toward the annual campaign – funding that supports local agencies working to help the most needy people throughout The County.

Like last year, this year’s event is divided into three regional shows – one each in Fort Kent, Caribou and Houlton. The final production will take place in March at the Caribou Performing Arts Center, where the sole “Aroostook Idol” will be crowned.

McGary wowed the audience with a stellar performance of “You and Me” by Lifehouse, which he dedicated to his wife.

Although he forgot a few words, the audience didn’t forget the rousing performance of Gendron, who sang The Band’s “The Weight” to secure his slot in Caribou.

Joshua Fish also bested other contestants to move on to the finale, eliciting cheers and whistles from the crowd with his rendition of Lynard Skynard’s “Simple Man.”

Fourteen contestants took part in Houlton. Officials have limited regional shows to 15 contestants.

A panel of four judges critiques the performers at each show, but the audience has the sole power to select who will go on to the finale.

The second show will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Caribou Performing Arts Center during the Caribou Winter Carnival.