FRACKVILLE — Jacqueline Bubnis, 13, was named the winner of the Schuylkill County Junior Idol VIII on Tuesday at the Schuylkill Mall.
The seventh-grade student from Shenandoah put her hands to her face in shock when she was announced the winner to a crowd of about 45 people. Standing on stage with the other two remaining contestants — Raven Wesley, 14, of New Ringgold, and Camryn Carduff, 16, of Shenandoah — Jacqueline thanked the judges, the public and the other contestants. The contest was open to those ages 6 to 16 years old. Bubnis sang “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele as her winning song.
Bubnis said she did not expect to win because Wesley and Carduff were both so talented. Still, she said, she is “happy and excited. My mind is blown.” She also participated last year in the competition. Her goal this year was to make it to the top three finalists.
“This has been just amazing,” she said.
Her parents, John and Pam Bubnis, Shenandoah, were proud of their daughter. Before the show, Pam reminded Jacqueline to focus.
“Concentrate on you. Concentrate on your music,” she told her daughter.
Pam hugged her after she won, and both parents said they were proud of her.
During the approximate 30 minute break, the three contestants posed for photos. All said they were excited and glad the event was over, but glad to have shared the experience.
Tuesday’s final round was the culmination of the event that started in January with 18 contestants. Each of the finalists sang three songs Tuesday. The first song was their choice. The second song was a theme song from Billy Joel and the third was one suggested by the three judges, Mark Mahal, Maudie Becker and Julia Medina.
Wesley was the first singer of the night. She sang “7 years” by Lukas Graham, “Piano Man” by Billy Joel and “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. She dedicated the song by Celine Dion in memory of her older brother who died of suicide last year. The judges loved her performance. Medina said the “Titanic” theme song was beautiful.
“You really put your whole heart in it,” Medina said.
Mahal said the song was her best of the competition. Becker was speechless.
Bubnis sang “Amazing Grace,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel and “Constant Craving” by K.D. Lang. The judges loved her performance.
“You looked like a little angel out there and I loved it,” Becker said of the “Amazing Grace” performance in which Bubnis wore a white dress.
Carduff sang “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey, “Vienna” by Billy Joel and “Take a Bow” by Rihanna. Of the last song, Becker said Carduff sang perfectly.
“Honey, you go stand there and you take a bow,” Becker said.
The finalists said they have been happy to share in the experience. The event is sponsored by Pepsi, the Frackville Rotary, Totally Twisted Pretzel and Rebekah’s Creations. Bubnis will receive a $500 Schuylkill Mall shopping spree, a $100 gift certificate courtesy of the Bon-Ton, a professional photo shoot courtesy of Michael’s Photography, Frackville, a gift courtesy of Totally Twisted Pretzel and a chance to perform at the Schuylkill County Fair in August.