GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Contestants brought the talent and star-power to the Clay County Agricultural Fair's coveted Star Search competition on Friday, April 11. 

With the winning title at stake, 15 adult and youth singers, some new and some returning, took to the Community First Credit Union Stage in front of a vast crowd of supporters and strangers alike. 

Sponsored by Clay Today and resembling the popular singing competition American Idol, each contestant was brought to the stage to perform their act and listen to comments from the three esteemed judges of the night — Executive Director of the Thrasher-Horne Center Bob Olson, Fair Entertainer Dennis Lee and Clay Today Local Editor Kyla Woodard. The night was emceed by 904 Trivia Owner Bobby Bickle.

Contestants were given cash prizes and ribbons. First place received $250 and a blue ribbon, second place $125 and third place $75.

With a soundtrack ranging from pop, jazz and country to famous film and musical hits, soulful ballads and rock and roll chart toppers, the singers used their vocal talents to put on a show to remember. 

The Youth Division featured six performances. Payson Saige began the competition with a rendition of "Scars to Your Beautiful" by Alessia Cara.  Jackson McCarthy sang "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. Gemma Matthews followed with "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers, John Wiley with his own song "Fool," Lila Miller with "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys and Abigail Blackwell with "Life is Beautiful" by Sixx: A.M.

In the end, Matthews took home the first-place title, while McCarthy garnered second place and Saige won third. 

As someone who was used to singing within her inner circle, it was only a matter of time before Matthews made it to the big stage. She said that singing and performing is a great passion of hers.

"My grandma put me in voice lessons and my mom just kept pushing me to do what I love. Even when I wanted to quit," she said.

 It was her second time participating in the competition. Although she didn't initially place, she decided to try again this year after taking a leap of faith. The win was a full circle moment.

"I was younger and I was still learning. I got more confident over the years," she said.

As her melodious vocals echoed through the pavilion, it was obvious that Matthews had a special connection to the song. She said "Unchained Melody" not only shows her vocal range but pushes her to be the best that she can be.

"It's my favorite song to sing. And I bring it everywhere I go," she said.

Nine performers competed in the Adult Division. Emma Laine sang "The Grand Tour" by George Jones, Cheylee Weyandt sang "Snake Eater" by Cynthia Harrell and Kari Fairbanks sang "The Champion" by Carrie Underwood. Andrew Owens followed with "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone, Alyssa Hicks with "Choosin' Texas" by Ella Langley, Chey Messer with "Tommorow" from Annie, Olivia Rowe with "Don't Rain on My Parade" by Barbra Streisand, Justin Cihlar with "In Color" by Jamey Johnson and Lillian Michel with "Creep" by Radiohead.

Rowe took home the first-place title, while Fairbanks won second place and Michel earned third. 

Growing up in a musical family, Rowe said singing has always shaped her outlook on life.

"I've always had a flair for the dramatic. I love to perform," she said.

Although it was Rowe's second year in the competition, it was her first time performing in the Adult Division. This go-around, it was time to put her vocal growth and strength to the test.

"I had more of a purpose behind why I was doing it and that's really because of the song I was singing."

From the 1968 film adaptation of "Funny Girl," "Don't Rain on My Parade" is a sheer example of confidence and determination, something that resonated with Rowe personally.

"A lot of things in my life are changing. So, with that I wanted to give a reminder to everybody, give a reminder to myself and my family and my friends that, even though things can be hard, even though there are setbacks in life, even though things are changing, you can't let anything get in your way of being successful."

A message that was evident in her performance.

Star Search will return next year when the Clay County Agricultural Fair comes to town for its 41st year from April 1-11.