The third time was a charm for a contestant in the Country Showdown.
The 33rd annual event was held at Liberty Park in Batesville on Friday night and featured seven contestants vying to advance to the state competition.
15-year-old Samantha Voegele of Noblesville has competed in Batesville for the past three years. On Friday, she won the contest after performing songs by Sara Evans and Shania Twain.
“When my name was called everything inside me just exploded! I just became light headed pretty much because I was just so ready to be number one in this competition,” Voegele stated.
She will now advance to the state level contest in August, with a chance for a $1,000 prize, the State Title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional Finals. It’s the last step before the prestigious, televised National Final.
“I plan on picking new more upbeat songs, ones that I am maybe more comfortable with. I am just ready for this!”
Kent Hiltz of New Point finished second in the competition.
Other singers that took part in the showdown was Megan Hoffman, Guilford; Christopher Bischoff, West Harrison; Alyssa Williams, Connersville; Marissa Fullenkamp, Batesville; and Jessie Strassell of Dillsboro.
