Jeans ruled the night as 25 sang their hearts out in hopes of becoming the newest Sunman Idol.

Jason LeGrand, Guilford, who belted out John Denver’s "Thank God I'm a Country Boy," had a front row cheering section of girls, one holding a sign that said, "Go, Old Guy!" (He’s 38.)

As names were called for the 12 semifinalists (please see photo), it soon became apparent he was the only male among females. Someone in the audience yelled, “A rooster in the henhouse!” Just before the 12th name was announced, LeGrand begged, “Make it another guy.”

Then co-chairs Anita Fledderman and Beth Watson, active in the sponsoring Sunman Area Chamber of Commerce, called a woman’s name. Just like last year, judges Bryan Kline, Rhonda Moorman and Steve Fischer decided to add a 13th singer. Another woman.

The competition was so fierce, a 14th semifinalist was added. Finally, another man. Batesville native Craig Quick, 33, Sunman, who performed "Someone Else's Star," popularized by country star Bryan White, wiped fake sweat from his brow as he approached the stage.

Last year country songs were favored, but this summer pop tunes were most popular as each entrant sang one verse and one chorus a cappella. Shelley Mitchell, 21, Batesville, an Indiana State University music major, made an impact with "Obvious" by Christina Aguilera. Lisa Disley, 39, Sunman, and Kelly Dameron, 21, Milan, both chose "Me and Bobby McGee." Matthew Kissell, 23, Osgood, presented "Swing Life Away" by Rise Against. Fischer advised him, “You've got a good rocker voice and you've got the look. Keep with it."

Former East Central High School cheerleader Shaina Esser, 22, Louisville, Ky., sang "Open Arms" by Journey. Kent Hiltz, 29, New Point, entertained with Bon Jovi’s "Wanted Dead or Alive." Moorman joked, “I'm always jealous when a guy can sing higher than me." "Something to Talk About" was the choice of Kayla Bishop, 20, Sunman.

Others selected country tunes. Mistress of ceremonies Anna Ibold asked Phillip Grigsby, 41, Milan, what he did that day to get ready for the audition. “Hauled wood for my future father-in-law!” Then he performed Vince Gill’s "Go Rest High on That Mountain." Fonda Niece, 42, Batesville, sang Reba McEntire’s "Fancy." Fischer’s reaction? “You're getting better every year.” Lynsey Gesell, 21, Sunman, presented Trisha Yearwood’s "How Do I Live Without You?"

Songs from other mediums appealed to a few. Caprice Rush, 39, Sunman, heard a snippet of "Goodbye, My Almost Lover" on a trailer for the upcoming "Twilight" movie and got the lyrics online. Emily Flaspohler, 23, Batesville, sang the musical "Wicked" showstopper "Defying Gravity." Amanda McQueen, 17, Sunman, who wants to earn prize money to pay off her car and take a spring trip to New York, performed “Take Me or Leave Me” from the musical "Rent."

One entrant was in a spiritual mood. Hallie Haas, 41, Lawrenceburg, sang "When I Call on Jesus." Two decided to class up the evening with standards. "At Last" was selected by Danielle Zielinski, 22, Sunman, who confided, “I pretty much sang before I could talk.” Kline reported, “That takes some guts, singing some Etta (James).” The judge called “What did I Have That I Don't Have Now?," performed by Sandra Markland, 59, Oldenburg, “one of the best all night.”

At the Sunman Wine & Fireworks Festival Friday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at Sunman Community Park, each semifinalist will sing a full song backed by recorded or live music, then judges will narrow the group down to six finalists.

A fan favorite will be determined after spectators get involved by casting $1 votes. This year those votes will not factor in with the judges' voting. The fan favorite winner will get half of the money contained in his or her bucket with the rest of the money going to offset Idol expenses. “We think that's a good change,” said Fledderman.

The following evening at 8 p.m., the finalists will perform new songs and one will be named Sunman Idol, following in the footsteps of Beth Cooper, 20, and Cathy Lehman, 40, Sunman; and Angela Heater, 21, Metamora.

The winner will be announced around 10 p.m., right before the fireworks. The stakes are high: first place, $2,000; second place, $900; and third place, $300, made possible by major supporter Enhanced Telecommunications Corp. The other finalists will earn gift certificates.