Norman claims Clayton Idol title

CLAYTON -- Ciera Norman's following in some pretty big footsteps.

But she's got the chops to keep up with former Clayton Idol winners like Scotty McCreery.

After being named the 2011 Clayton Idol winner, Norman has the chance to sing on an even bigger stage.

She was one of 17 young hopefuls who sang their hearts out Wednesday evening at The Clayton Center in hopes of becoming the next Clayton Idol.

Sponsored by the town's Chamber of Commerce, the event has become a traditional staple of the annual Clayton Harvest and Music Festival.

It has even spawned a musical success, Garner's Scotty McCreery, who won the competition in 2009 and then went on to become the winner of this year's "American Idol" TV contest.

Auditions were held earlier this month, and nearly 30 prospective contestants turned out for the opportunity to sing in the finals, according to Mary Beth Roberti, one of the event's organizers.

"The judges had a very difficult time making the decisions to narrow it down to 17," Roberti said. "They were all so good."

Finalists were divided into Junior (ages 5-11) and Senior (ages 12-18) categories for Wednesday night's performance. The five youngest performers sang a variety of tunes ranging from Katy Perry to Gladys Knight & the Pips.

Nicholas Kraft, a sixth grade student at Riverwood Middle school, took home the top prize in the Junior Clayton Idol category after wowing judges with an upbeat performance of "Time For Me to Fly" by Nick Jonas.

"I feel great," said Kraft backstage after his win.

"I've practiced this song for about year with my vocal coach. I had butterflies before I went out, but once I got on stage, I felt really good!"

Kraft has been performing in musical theater since the age of 7 and says he plans on pursuing a career in the movies or on Broadway.

Third grader Abby Stephens was named first runner up.

After a brief intermission and performance of three original songs by 2010 Clayton Idol winner, Taylor Leopold, a dozen contestants competed for the top prize. Not only were they talented singers, many were accomplished musicians who accompanied themselves on acoustic guitar or piano.

After careful deliberation by judges Debbie Dunn, manager of the Garner Historic Auditorium, radio personality Jimmy Lloyd and Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod, the winners were announced.

Haley Blondin, a 16 year-old sophomore at West Johnston High School, looked stunned when her name was called as first runner-up.

Her performance of Taylor Swift's "White Horse" had the audience cheering and clapping along the entire time.

Norman, a sophomore at Corinth-Holders High School, dazzled with her soulful performance of Adele's hit song, "Rolling in the Deep."

The 15-year-old was the last contestant on the program, and as she left the stage she wasn't so sure of her performance.

"It was nerve wracking," said Norman after her win. "I thought I messed up and went backstage and cried. Everyone here had such great talent."

Never having any formal vocal training, the teen said she "basically learned to talk" by singing and has performed with her church and in school talent shows since elementary school.

Both Norman and Kraft were awarded a cash prize and the opportunity to sing on the main stage during Saturday's festival.