First Columbia Teen Star 2017 is Crowned

Bloomsburg, PA – First Columbia Bank crowned Maiah Farley the 2017 Teen Star at the 7th Annual First Columbia Teen Star Musical Competition. Maiah, a sophomore at Central Columbia High School, was one of 12 high school vocalists who took the stage at Bloomsburg University on Sunday, May 21st to compete for the title. The finalists were selected from a field of 44 contestants who auditioned in April.

Maiah, and her fellow finalists, performed for hundreds of fans and a panel of guest judges at the finale. After all twelve performed, the judges chose three to sing again for the top spot.

Enthusiastic fans, who brought signs and were full of cheers to support their classmates, had the chance to text their vote to save a fourth finalist during the show—adding even more fun and excitement to the event!

Maiah, who won third place last year, brought her A-game to the finale stepping her performance up a notch…actually two notches…to win! It was her rendition of “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera that moved her into the final four. With her final song, she wowed the crowd singing “She Used to Be Mine” by Sara Bareilles and brought the judges to their feet. In second place, Megan Osborne, a senior, also a returning finalist from Central Columbia, performed two emotional operatic pieces, kindly explaining the story of each before she sang. Garnering third place was returning 2016 finalist, Kaili Hannon, a senior from Benton High School. After  singing “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals, she performed a moving rendition of the song “Landslide” by the Dixie Chicks in the final round. Joey Guzevich, a junior from Bloomsburg High School and first time finalist, placed fourth overall. With a rousing fan base,  he won the audience save vote singing “Dancing on My Own” by Calum Scott, accompanied on the piano by his father. For his final performance, Joey played the piano and sang “Instead” by Ryan Amador.

The other finalists, which also included two freshmen, entertained the audience with their diverse music styles—singing Broadway tunes from Wicked and Beauty and the Beast—popular tunes by Adele and Faith Hill—and even the timeless classic Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder. There were music styles for all generations to appreciate and enjoy.