Turlock High School took on the traditional “American Idol” scene, but they made it their own with some Bulldog flare.

Two finalists took the stage during lunch time on Wednesday to sing their best in front a group of peer judges.

“I like to sing,” said Allyn Serpa, one of the finalists. “I like being able to express my emotions through words of music.”

It was Serpa’s first time competing in the annual THS Idol competition and she was feeling pretty good about her singing skills as she took the stage for the last time as a finalist.

Serpa sang songs from Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus bringing some pop music into the competition.

Each finalist was allowed to sing two songs of their choice, as long as they were approved by school staff. After the competition, students voted for their favorite and who should be named the 2010 THS Idol winner.

The other finalists were Audrey Mondragon and Kate Matson who worked together as a band. They played songs by Ingrid Michaelson and Lady Gaga. But they didn’t just sing for the competition, they also played instruments, including the yukalaylee.

It was their first time trying out for the audition as well and they made it to the top two finalists spot by beating out 50 other singers and bands that tried out for the competition this year—which has been the normal number of entrants every year.

Mondragon tried out because she thought it would fun and Matson tried out to face her fears of singing in front of others.

This was the fifth year that Turlock High has put on their THS Idol contest and it has been very popular among the students, said Jennifer Cullum, Turlock High leadership adviser.

“It is a super popular event,” Cullum said. “The kids look forward to it every year.”

The competition lasts about five weeks starting with auditions then eliminating two contestants every week down the final two, she said. Starting out with 50 students who auditioned, they cut it down to the top nine.

Students were eliminated by their peers receiving only comments from their three judges—Secretary Lucy Hildebrand, Physical Education teacher Mary Krupka and Mathematics teacher Kathlyn Donaldson.

The 2010 THS Idol winner will be announced at the homecoming assembly on Friday. The winner will get a professional photo taken to be placed in the office and the honor of being this year’s THS Idol winner.

To contact Maegan Martens, e-mail mmartens@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext.2015.