Kids from local day camps compete in 9th annual ‘Jackson Idol’

JACKSON, Tenn. — It looks like American Idol may have some competition in West Tennessee.

City of Jackson Recreation and Parks held their ninth annual Jackson Idol summer youth showcase Thursday morning. Winning performers from area day camps competed in the final competition to see who would become the next Jackson Idol.

After weeks of rehearsal, the kids were beyond excited to showcase their talents.

Organizer Bridgett Parham said the competition is more than a title.

“The kids get a chance to showcase their talents,” Parham said. “It helps build self confidence for them, having a feeling of accomplishment. They get to perform on a stage in front of a large audience, so that makes them feel very good about themselves.”

The groups are split by age range, with 6- to 8-year-olds in one division and kids 9 to 12 in the other.

One performer took the audience back to an early ’80s classic. “I just like Michael Jackson a lot and I’m a big fan of him, and I thought I could do something that I really wanted to do,” performer Caleb Williams said.

From beautiful singing to popular dance moves, the entire room was filled with talented youth along with family and friends showing support. One family member said he does not want events like this to be restricted to the summer.

“I support it wholeheartedly and just think we should have more of this going on during the academic year,” Jackson Idol attendee Morris P. Fair Sr. said.

The performers were left with a piece of advice before they took the stage.

“Do your best! Always put forth your best effort,” Fair said.

The winners of the 6- to 8-year-old division were from L&L Pampering, and for the 9 to 12 division it was T. R. White.