Five finalists named in SMU’s Fox 25/48 ‘Idol’ competition

The five finalists from Saint Mary’s University’s “Fox Fest Idol” competition Saturday, June 28, are, from left: J.R. Larke from Winona; Vanessa Blackwell from La Crosse, Wis.; T.J. Burbach from Winona; Tim Olstad from Winona; and Kassandra Kujak from Winona.

WINONA, Minn. — Five finalists were selected June 28 at the “Fox Fest Idol” competition, held at Saint Mary’s University and sponsored by Fox 25/48. These five competitors — including J.R. Larke from Winona; Vanessa Blackwell from La Crosse, Wis.; T.J. Burbach from Winona; Tim Olstad from Winona and Kassandra Kujak from Winona — will advance to the “Fox Fest Idol” finals on Sunday, Aug. 3, at Skipper Liner Marine in La Crosse.

Finalists from the Saint Mary’s Competition — as well as competitions in Eau Claire, Wis., and La Crosse, Wis. — will perform at this regional finale.

The winner Aug. 3 will receive an “American Idol” audition at a city and date yet to be announced.

If you missed this round, SMU will host another “Idol” audition this summer through the Rochester Fox 47 station.