Arkansas Tech has a New Idol

Watch Ethan’s winning performance.

Here is a montage of the top six finalists.

Ethan Wells won the coveted title of Arkansas Tech Idol 2011 Friday night in front of hundreds of admiring fans in the audience.

Moments after the announcement of the new Tech Idol, Wells said he was ecstatic, excited and just so happy. He was smiling from ear to ear.

Wells has been singing since he was just a toddler, and he was happy to have the opportunity to share his talent with his peers during Tech Idol.

The judges for the competition were Tech Idol 2009 Sarah Curlin, Tech Idol 2010 Jake Smith and Director of Housing Marty Sabolo.

In the preliminary round of competition, Wells sang “As Long as You’re There.” Smith said he did really well and has “pipes.” Marty said he didn’t remember Ethan from auditions, but will definitely remember him after that performance.

To capture the title, he sang Etta James’ “At Last” after emcee Jonathan Curlin suggested it. The judges first were disappointed in his choice of a “pageant song” but agreed he took a different route with the song and made it his own.  Sarah Curlin said it was a beautiful, engaging performance and the crowd agreed.

“I would encourage anyone to audition for Tech Idol because it has been such an amazing experience,” Wells said.

Michael Gaffigan received the second highest amount of votes with his original song “Summertime,” followed by David Glenn, Jr. in third. Glenn sang “Love of My Life.”

Keep logging on to arkansastechnews.com for video highlights of Tech Idol and information about a special Tech Idol Christmas Concert.

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