Twelve BHS students compete in annual ‘Brighton Idol’ competition and fundraiser

On Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, twelve performers took the stage at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts to showcase their vocal talent and raise money for a good cause. Brighton Idol is a part of Brighton Area Schools’ Pink Week fundraiser, a week-long tradition of raising money for cancer patients’ benefit at Trinity Health Center in Brighton. There were many activities associated with Pink Week, Brighton Idol being one of the most entertaining. 

A few weeks ago, a group of Brighton High School students underwent the first audition process in hopes of securing a spot in the celebrated competition. The twelve finalists were selected not only to perform but to be in the running for the overall win. From upbeat pop songs to oldies but goodies, these Idol finalists displayed a wide range of music and talents.

There were three categories for students to compete in based on the genre of their chosen song, as well as the overall and popular choice wins. The Brighton Idol judges consisted of Maltby Intermediate School choir teacher Mrs. Corrine Shourds, BHS teacher Mrs. Kelly Armstrong and BHS graduate Tyler Atkin. The category winners included junior Faith Tisdale in “The Battle of the Divas,” sophomore Bailey Atkin in “Hits of Today” and senior Noah Reams in “Songs of Yesterday.” The overall Brighton Idol winner was sophomore Vaan Otto, who sang Paul Anka’s “Put Your Head on My Shoulder.” Sophomore Julie Swain took home the popular vote for her performance of “THE GREATEST” by Billie Eilish. 

The process of auditioning and performing, especially in front of peers, can be nerve-wracking. Though the title of Brighton Idol was on the line, every student had to demonstrate initiative and bravery on the stage.

When asked about his feelings on the win, category winner Noah Reams said, “It felt pretty cool. I won a different category last year, so participating in this one and also doing well was just cool to see that I could do it.”

Students also went through their own process of choosing a song that they believed best showcased their talent and passion for music. 

“I chose that song because last year, I just picked a song based off what I thought I could do, but this year, I wanted to do a song that I actually enjoyed listening to,” Reams said. “And so this song is more me and shows what I can do.”

Any student at any singing level is allowed to audition for Brighton Idol, and participants are allowed to audition multiple years in a row. Brighton Idol is an annual tradition that allows students to mature and develop skills in a supportive and rewarding environment while supporting a good cause. This year, students had the added benefit of contributing to Pink Week’s fundraising efforts.

“I chose to be in Brighton Idol because I really enjoy singing and getting opportunities to perform,” junior Ann Giles, who participated in Brighton Idol this year, said. “Regarding Pink Week, I think it’s a really cool fundraiser, and it’s really important to the people of our community.”