By Josh Bergeron
josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

FAITH — Two are newcomers and the third is a seasoned veteran in the adult Faith Idol finals.

On Saturday night, Rusty Fisher of Faith, Rebecca Kulhawick of Rockwell and Ann Sprinkle of China Grove advanced to the finals of Faith Idol. Next, they’ll compete on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Winners receive cash prizes based on how they finish. First place gets $300. Second place receives $200 and third place receives $100.

Cash prizes are awarded in all age divisions.

Kulhawick and Sprinkle are newcomers to Faith Idol. Saturday was their first time at the event. For Fisher, however, Saturday was his 11th time at Faith Idol. This year, he’s aiming for a win.

His competitors even offered a word of encouragement after the first round on Saturday.

“This is the year,” Kulhawick told Fisher.

Fisher offered some advice to his fellow Faith Idol contestants.

“Change your song,” he said. “Everybody that’s won in the past has changed their song. It lets the audience see a different side of you.”

On Saturday, Fisher performed “Lift Your Head Weary Sinner.” Kulhawick performed “You Alone Can Save” and Sprinkle performed “Alabaster Box.”

Sprinkle joked that she’s unlikely to change her song.

“See, I’m over 50 so I probably won’t change my song because it’s the only one I know all the words to,” she said.

Saturday’s first round of adult competition began amid rain showers, which cleared out some audience members. However, most stayed until the end, after the showers cleared.

Adult competitors who did not advance to the finals on Saturday included: Tyler Helms, Lee Roberts and Sarah Schnurr. The adult competition is for people 19 and older.

All of the Faith Idol participants in the 12 and under category on Saturday advanced to the final round. Those in the 12 and under category include Kayleb Carr, Kylie Creel, Gavin McDaniel and Victoria Parker.

Carr performed “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” Creel performed “Write Your Story.” McDaniel performed “Fire and Rain.” Parker performed “The Climb.”

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246