Fair Finale Ends on High Note as Idol Named

(SEDALIA, Mo.) – The 2007 Missouri State Fair ended with a great show on Sunday, August 19, as 15 finalists vied for the title of 2007 Missouri State Fair Idol from the stage located inside the Budweiser Tent.

John Ezell of Sedalia wooed the audience and received the judges’ nod with his accomplished vocal performance and commanding stage presence. Ezell will represent the fair in 2008 with the opening vocal act on the Pepsi Grandstand Stage Thursday, August 7. Included in his prize package was a trophy donated by M&M Engraving of Sedalia.

Ezell added his personal style jazzing up his song selection, “Give Me One Reason”, by singer/songwriter Tracy Champman. When asked how it felt to be named the winner, he said, “It was a good feeling and I was very excited. I’ve been singing all of my life and it finally paid off.”

The 2007 Missouri State Fair Idol winner is 21 years old attending State Fair Community College majoring in Business Management. He said that he may continue to pursue singing and “see what happens”.

The second annual competition was a strong entertainment aspect to the fair again this year drawing large crowds as the 11-day-long contest progressed. The tent was near capacity on the last day as spectators cheered-on favorite prospects.

Missouri State Fair Director Marion Lucas was also present for the final selection, and was pleased when Ezell was named. “He gave an outstanding performance,” Lucas said, “and will represent the fair well.”