MITCHELL — Twelve singers from across Southern Indiana and beyond will take the spotlight Tuesday, Sept. 22, as WQRK Southern Indiana’s Classic Hits and Lite FM Persimmon Idol returns to the Persimmon Festival.
The Persimmon Idol competition will take place on the Main Street Stage in Mitchell, with the finalists competing in Youth and Adult divisions. Performances kick off at 7:30 p.m.!
The 2026 Persimmon Festival runs Sept. 19-26 in downtown Mitchell, with free entertainment on the Main Street Stage throughout the festival.
The Youth Division finalists, listed alphabetically, are:
- Jane Bingham of Bedford
- Lucy Feltz of Bedford
- Destiny Fields of Solsberry
- Milina Otwell of Bedford
- Delilah Saylor of French Lick
- Madelyn Shaw of Mitchell
The Adult Division finalists are:
- Beau Avery of Paoli
- Dawn Keller of Bloomfield
- Abigail Kuster of Bedford
- Ava McKinney of Bedford
- Johnny Niece of Oolitic
- Nikki Usey of Rowlett, Texas
The competition offers a substantial prize for the winner of each division. Each Youth and Adult Division Idol will receive a trophy plus a $500 cash prize.
Holly Davis, owner and president of WBIW, WQRK and Lite FM, said the quality and response to this year’s competition have been impressive.
“ I couldn’t be more excited about this year’s Persimmon Idol finalists,” Davis said. “We had nearly 50 talented singers audition during our preliminary competition on September 10 at the Mitchell High School Auditorium, along with digital submissions, and the response truly exceeded our expectations.”
While most contestants came from Lawrence County and surrounding communities, Davis said the competition attracted interest from much farther away, including Illinois and Texas.
“That shows how much excitement this competition has created over the years,” she said.
For Davis, Persimmon Idol is about more than finding the best singer.
“For me, Persimmon Idol is much more than a vocal competition; it’s personal,” Davis said. “I’m from Mitchell, and the Persimmon Festival was such a pinnacle part of my childhood; I want to continue that excitement for others.”
Davis said having the opportunity through the local radio stations to help create similar memories for a new generation is especially meaningful.
“Supporting our hometown, giving young people and adults a platform to showcase their talents, and earning a solid prize while keeping the spirit of the Persimmon Festival alive is exactly what local radio should be about,” she said.
The finalists have already made it through a competitive preliminary round, but the biggest stage — and the biggest crowd — awaits.
“These finalists have already accomplished something special by making it this far, and I can’t wait to see them take the Mainstage on September 22,” Davis said. “I have a feeling Mitchell is in for a very special night!”
The public is encouraged to turn out in force for the competition, cheer on the finalists and make the evening a memorable part of the Persimmon Festival. Admission is free, and festival organizers encourage visitors to bring a lawn chair and settle in for an evening of live entertainment on Main Street.
With 12 finalists, two divisions, $1,000 in total cash prizes, and the Persimmon Festival crowd providing the backdrop, Persimmon Idol promises to put plenty of talent , and plenty of hometown pride, on display.
For those who love live music, local talent, and the Persimmon Festival, this is one night to show up, grab a chair, bring the family, and make some noise for the singers taking their shot at becoming the next WQRK/ LITEFM Persimmon Idol.
