By Cassandra Miller
ONEONTA _ A twist to this year's 'Ultimate Idol' was announced at Wednesday night's semifinal round: the finalists will not have complete say about which two songs they perform at the finals Aug. 5 at the Foothills Performing Arts Center.
This year, the judges will choose one song for each contestant, instead of the singers choosing both of their finals songs.
"We wanted to see the contestants' faces to see if any of them were scared," said Idol organizer Carla Balnis, of the Central New York State Radio Group. "They weren't. They were excited about it."
The three judges found out about the new addition to the competition Monday and were enthusiastic about their new role of having control over song choice.
"There was so much country and doo-wop, I'd like to see anyone step outside of either of those," said judge Jennifer Insetta.
The capacity crowd of 851 heated up the white tent at the Foothills Performing Arts Center and spilled out into a dry night.
Two crowd favorites that received standing ovations and a lot of post-performance buzz chose classic songs that were neither doo-wop nor country.
Ron Leone, of Bovina Center, sang Frank Sinatra's "That's Life," and Cyndee Reese, of Stamford, sang "At Last" by Etta James. Both singers received enough votes from the judges to advance to the finals.
Reese, who used to sing with the local Frog Blues Band, took the stage in a tropical-colored spaghetti-strap dress and black bob to sing James' classic love song.
The 42-year-old came into the competition after a long period of health complications.
"I was in the hospital a year and a half and had seven surgeries," said Reese, adding that she had been bedridden until recently. "I wasn't sure I'd be able to get back into singing."
About the twist in the finals, Reese said she welcomes whatever song the judges choose for her.
"Whatever comes my way, I'm all set," she said. "I'm all ready to go, baby."
Reese said the competition this year has been full of "so many dynamic singers." Insetta agreed that the level of competition has been impressive this year.
"Tonight, this is the best we've ever seen," said Insetta. "I can't wait to see what comes out tomorrow."
The 11 finalists were announced Thursday. They are: Bill Blair, of Pine Hill; Bonnie Burt, of Greene; Cyndee Reese, of Stamford; Gregg Eso, of Grand Gorge; Jeff Wood, of Walton; Kalendra Solat, of Ithaca; Kyle Burch, of Otego; Liz Walker, of Delhi; Michael Gray, of Sidney; Ron Leone, of Bovina Center; and Terri Whitney, of Franklin.
