MITCHELL – There were eight adult contestants and four youth contestants vying for the 2022 WQRK Southern Indiana’s Classic Hits & Litefm Persimmon Idol Monday night.
The competition was fierce, coming down to the final tally, naming Jae Parris of French Lick the Adult Division Idol, and Lily Bockting of Salem the Youth Division Idol. Parris sang a rendition of “What’s Up?’ by 4 Non Blondes, while Bockting sang “Honey” by Derivakat.
Lily Bockting 
Jae Parris
Both contestants won $500 cash, a Persimmon Idol trophy, and a Persimmon Festival t-shirt for their efforts and talent displayed.
2022 Persimmon Idol Adult Division Finalists:
- Amanda Bockting of Salem – “Gunpowder and Lead” by Miranda Lambert
- Christina Bell of Bedford – “Mercy” by Duffy
- Jae Parris of French Lick – “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes
- Kaity Sandes of Bedford – “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
- Kylee Pendley of Orleans – “Rise Up” by Andra Day
- D.J. Watson of Mitchell – “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley
- Derrick Weidner And Olivia Doyle of Bloomington – “I Will Wait” by Mumford And Sons
- Bryan Woosley of Springville – “Yee Haw” by Jake Owens
2022 Persimmon Idol Youth Division Finalists:
- Hayleigh Armstrong of Springville – “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo
- Lilly Bockting of Salem – “Honey” By Derivakat
- Madison Dillman of Bedford – “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys
- Bianca Garcia of Pekin – “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
The captivated audience was impressive, to say the least, and stretched down several blocks of Main Street.
Holly Davis, President and Owner of the hosting radio stations WQRK Southern Indiana’s Classic Hits 105.5 and Litefm 102.5 is also a Mitchell native. She was thrilled to see the packed Main Street.
“The city of Mitchell and the Persimmon Festival holds a special place in my heart. I am passionate to take part in any way that I can to ensure the tradition of the festival carries on,” said Davis. “Our Idol competition is one way that I can contribute to the success of this festival. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our amazing local vocal talent and a great way to help kick off the week’s events for the 75th Annual Persimmon Festival”.
