Four Compete in LU Idol Final, Mahon Takes Title

Two weeks ago eight contestants competed for the title of Longwood Idol, with four contestants brought back to compete it the finals. On Saturday, Feb. 7, Zack Mahon, Octavia Moton, Mia Vorhies and Jessica Snyder battled it out for the top spot. The evening was split into three rounds. After the first round the audience voted and one person was kicked off. After the second round the audience voted again and one more person was kicked off. After the third round the judges voted and chose a winner

Mahon competed first. He opened by saying that last time the judges told him to be more creative, so he wrote his own music for that night's show. "This is my question. You came for the finale, right? I was looking for more passion," said Angela Jackson, who was portraying Simon from "American Idol." Amanda Shankle, playing Paula, though Mahon's outfit really pulled things together. Abbey Rowe, who played Kara, told Mahon that he was just too cute and to not listen to Simon. "You and I both know you're good. Work on connecting with the audience," advised Billy Boulden, who played Randy.

Jessica Snyder sang "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles. "I'm not sure what happened. Last time you had more of a desire to win," said Boulden. Rowe loved how Snyder made the song her own, and Shankle loved everything about it. Jackson thought she did well.

Snyder did receive some less favorable feedback from the crowd, but Mahon was quick to jump to her defense. ""These guys have nuts coming up here and singing, so show them some respect and don't boo them," he said.

Vorhies sang the classic "Lean on Me" a cappella. Jackson thought it was very good. Shankle thought it was brave singing a cappella. Rowe wanted to see some more confidence. "It was good but it's the finale. I need to see more energy. You were kind of mellow," said Boulden.

Moton sang "Killing Me Softly" by Roberta Flack. Boulden thought she played it safe, but Rowe thought she had it going on. Shankle though Moton was looking really cute. "Last time I told you to bring the total package. You did tonight, but I know you have more power then what you gave us," said Jackson. After the audience voted, Mahon, Vorhiers and Moton were asked to stay for round two.

Starting off the second round, Vorhies sang a piece of "All That Jazz" from the musical "Chicago." Before she sang she explained that she had just gotten the e-mail two days before so she didn't have time to prepare a full song. "I appreciate the bit, but when you are on the circuit you gotta be ready to go, whether they give you two days or two hours," said Jackson. Shankle really liked it and though that Vorhies must have gotten the boys going with her dance. Rowe thought she sounded good but needed more. "Yo dawg, you had the energy but without a longer piece you can't get the audience engaged," said Boulden.

Mahon sang another original piece for his second performance. This time he came off of the stage and into the audience. He did trip on a wire and mess up his song but he recovered well. Boulden was glad to see that Mahon stayed true to himself. "Hey cutie, you're one hell of a musician," said Rowe. Shankle betted that every girl in the audience was wishing that Mahon were singing to them. "Here is the deal. You made a connection to the audience but dude, it's your song. How are you going to forget the words? You gotta bring your 'A' game" said Jackson.

Moton sang "Unbreak my Heart" by Toni Braxton. Jackson appreciated that Moton brought a lot of passion to the end of the song. Shankle thought Moton was ready to go to record. "Who sings this song?" asked Rowe. When Moton responded "Toni Braxton," Rowe said, "Not anymore. You got it!" Boulden thought she brought up her vocal chords but needs to work on a connection with the audience. After the next round of audience voting, Moton and Mahon advanced to the finals.

Moton sang "At Last" by Etta James to begin the final round. "At last you have sung like I knew you could," said Jackson. Shankle said she got chill bumps. Rowe thought it was a great job. "I think we found ourselves a winner," said Boulden. Mahon sang "I'd Hate To Be You When People Find Out What This Song is About" by Mayday. Boulden though he brought it, and Rowe loved that he stuck to it to the very end. Shankle thought he was very very talented. "Why did you wait to the very end to bring it all?" asked Jackson. In the end Mahon was name Longwood Idol.

Snyder and Vorhies received iTunes gift cards for participating, and this line is a placeholder until Nicole tells me what Zach and Mia won so AJ can place it now.