Powerful Voice Takes Delco Idol Top Spot

Half an hour before the doors opened for the final, the lobby of the buzzed with excitement as crowd members talked about their favorite performers and expectations for the evening. While the crowd contemplated the upcoming performances, Jesse Cline was busy.

Cline gathered the 15 hopefuls in front of the stage to go over the plan for the show. Shortly after helping settle last minute butterflies, Cline rode the brass-doored elevator to the second floor of the theater to greet the judges and break down the schedule. 

The lights dimmed and the young stars sung their hearts out. But, after the intermission ended, Good Day, Philadelphia's Sue Serio announced the five finalists who would have to put it all out and sing for a second time. The crowd had its favorites, but the final five were of little surprise to the audience. 

After a solid semi-final, country singer Jack Crescenzo made it in after he sang "I Believe," made famous by country stars Brooks & Dunn. Melanie Herrera solidified her place in the final round with the song "Breathe" from the musical In the Heights. Riley Duffie sang her heart out with Bonnie Raitt's song "I Can't Make You Love Me." Brian McFadden sang the famous song "Maria" from the musical West Side Story. Rounding out the top five was Jessica Sharples, who began the final round by singing "Screw Loose" from the musical Cry Baby. 

The final five contestants sang their hearts out yet again, but, in the end, no one could match the dramatically powerful voice of Brian McFadden.

After singing his week-four bombshell, "Time to Say Goodnight," the 24-year-old McFadden pulled in enough points from the judges to win first place, $1,500 and several other prizes.

Melanie Hererra came in second place, followed by Riley Duffie, Jack Crescenzo and Jessica Sharples.

"This is amazing," McFadden, of Drexel Hill, said. "I took a chance—it was a shot in the dark. I didn't know what to expect."

Cline was extremely happy with the number of people who came to attend the seventh year of Delco Idol, noting that the final was the most well-attended show in Delco Idol's history. 

"Acting is living as truthfully as one can," Cline said. "The whole idea [of the theater] is education; to give young people the opportunity to do this."

As artistic director, Cline takes pride in his work with the Media Theatre, the only professional theater in Delaware County, and hopes that the increased amount of awareness that Delco Idol has brought will further enhance the theater's already stellar reputation.