Tehachapi Idol: The Winner Is...

The 2016 Tehachapi Idol competition is over. On the evening of Sept. 11, with an American flag flying over Big Papa's, nearly 200 fans and family members gathered for the last performances of the year. Master of Ceremonies Jason S. Hail introduced the contestants who began their performances with Classic Rock selections. The final round was "open mic". The evening's judges were prior winner Kaleigh Meister, Alfred Nevarez and Jessie Nevarez.

Brinley Marks took home the top prize of $1500. Her first number was "Your Are So Beautiful" but her "open mic" song was an acapella version of The Stars Spangled Banner in honor of 9/11. Although she, like so many other professionals, was so emotional that she forgot the words, the crowd joined in and helped her finish. She delivered a perfect version at the end of the evening.

The second place prize of $1000 was won by guitarist Josh Schwartz and the third place of $500 went to Lily Seymour. The fourth contestant was Destini Boswell who was eliminated by audience vote at the event on Sunday.

Everyone seemed to have a great time and left looking forward to the 2017 competition.