Oswego Teacher Among 'Rialto Idol' Winners

Alexis Smith. Credit: Rialto Square Theatre

Joliet West junior Alexis Smith was the big winner of this year’s Rialto Idol competition at the Rialto Square Theatre.

The competition began with ”Idol” and “Idol Junior” auditions in June. A total of 135 contestants competed, with judges narrowing it down to 20 singers in each age group. Finalists ages 16 and older competed on Aug. 2, while Idol Junior contestants ages 6 to 16 took the stage on Aug. 3.

Smith was an “Idol Junior” finalist three years in a row, and was an “Idol” finalist last year. She said winning first place was a surprise.

“I didn’t enter the competition for the purpose of competing,“ Smith said. “I did it because I love to sing and how many opportunities are you really going to have to sing on the Rialto stage? I was in shock when I won and still don’t believe that it happened.”

The teen, who hopes to pursue a career in theater, added, “Singing on the Rialto stage is such an unforgettable memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The moment I stepped on stage, everything just felt right. It is a gorgeous theatre and I still cannot believe I got to do what I love most on the same stage as some of my biggest inspirations have. This was a dream come true for me.”

Smith previously performed at the Rialto in a production of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and recently starred as teen Fiona in the Lewis University Philip Lynch Theater production of “Shrek the Musical.” The win also earns her the chance to perform as an opening act at a future Rialto concern (pending artist contract).

Another Joliet resident, Stacy Courchaine, took second place in the Rialto Idol Competition. Courchaine is a music teacher at Long Beach Elementary in Oswego and previously taught high school and middle school music in Chicago. She has performed at locations in Chicago including the W Hotel, Sushi Samba and Murasaki Sake Lounge, and in 2008 recorded an EP entitled “Chain of Hearts.” Courchaine also plays several instruments, including the piano, ukulele, trumpet, flute, and guitar.

Plainfield South senior Allison Hodges took third place on Aug. 2. Hodges has been singing for eight years and said she hopes to continue her singing career beyond high school.

Rialto Idol Junior

Idol Junior finalists took the stage Aug. 3, with the following winners:

• 1st Place - Aida Skaraite, 11 (Glen Ellyn)
• 2nd Place – Grace Preboy, 12 (Minooka)
• 3rd Place – Graham Carlson (Homer Glen)

“It felt so amazing and it seemed like a dream,“ sxith-grader Skaraite said. “I could not believe that I won first place in my first contest on stage.”