Winsted resident in running to be next Northwest Idol

TORRINGTON — Winsted resident Heather Papolio was among six finalists in the under-25 age group of the Northwest Idol Contest, a Litchfield County version of the popular “American Idol� television show, featuring cash prizes.

The contest took place July 10 at Coe Memorial Park, where a panel of three judges whittled semifinalists down from a group of 12 to the six winners.

“I thought it was amazing,â€� Papolio said this week, after securing her spot in the finals. “I sang in  the first one ever, in 1996. This time we were outside, so it was nice. I had a lot of my family and friends there to support me.â€�

Papolio participates in local choirs and karaoke contests and has taken vocal lessons since 2005. She has also performed locally in the plays “Once in a Lifetime� and “The Defective Detective,� developing a love of being onstage.

At the “Idol� semifinals, Papolio wowed the judges with a rendition of Lady Gaga’s pulsating dance anthem “Alejandro.� Papolio said she performs naturally as an alto, but “with some work and practice I can change my range.�

Having lived all over the country, Papolio moved to Winsted as a sophomore in high school and performed in the choir at The Gilbert School. After graduating, she took classes in psychology at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, but she has recently devoted more of her time to seeking a career in music.

“I enjoy doing things like Northwest Idol because there is a lot of exposure that comes with it,� Papolio said. “I’ve recently decided that I was going to get really focused on music and get into it, so we’ll se how it goes.�

Twelve finalists — six from each of two age groups — will compete for the grand prize in the competition Saturday, Aug. 14, 8 p.m., at the Warner Theatre. Before that, a 25 and older age group will compete in its own semifinal competition at Coe Park on July 31.

And what are Papolio’s chances of becoming the next Northwest Connecticut Idol? “I’m in it to win it this time,� she said. “I don’t necessarily know what my chances are — there are some great singers, but I want to win it.�

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