Greer Idol Contestants

Greer Idol Jr (Ages 10 - 15)

Naylah is a 12 year old songwriter who has written 4 songs available on all music platforms. She has always loved music ever since she can remember and is obsessed with Classical Jazz, Theater, and Musicals! Music is her passion and motivation that keeps her fighting for her dream of becoming a memorable artist in the future, to inspire and help lots of people! She started taking voice and piano lessons at the age of 9. Since then, she hasn't stopped learning.

​Sofia has always loved music. Whether she is learning a new song by ear on the piano or singing a new song, she always seems to gravitate to something musical. Aside from music, she also loves animals and hanging out with her friends.

​Madison loves music. Under the direction of her grandmother, Madison's mother enrolled her in piano lessons.  Her piano teacher pointed out her affinity for music. As soon as Madison was old enough she started singing on the choir at church. She has participated in chorus every year of school. She decided that music was something she wanted to take seriously so now she showcases her talents every chance she gets. 

Mathew is so excited to show his passion for the music in the Greer Idol Jr. He had the opportunity to be part of Elf the musical on December 2021 with the Greenville Theatre. For the last 3 consecutive years won first place in 3 different divisions with Pitch Doctors Diamond 2021, Platinum 2020, and Gold 2019. He participated in two musicals with GCAC Frozen jr and The Lion King Jr. Additionally he was invited to sing and dance in the last 3 galas with JLDA academy in the Greenville Convention Center.

​Rebecca has always been a performer. She has performed in many productions in her community for several years, most recently as the Pilot in The Little Mermaid and has played Madd Hatter in Shrek : The Musical. Several of her favorite roles include The Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol,The Spider Queen in Babes in Toyland, Luny in Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, and SpongBob in Kidz on Broadway. Rebecca is a member of her Middle School Chorus and this school year she has participated in Spartanburg Sings as well as the ACDA State Honor Choir. 

Lexi has been singing since she was a toddler; however, she began taking formal vocal lessons in 2021 from Coach Robert Hoefer with Pitch Doctors, LLC. She has had several solo performances with her choral department at school and has participated in fun sings. Her favorite music genre is Country. Fun fact: Lexi lives on a farm and loves to barrel race in her free time!

​Mattie has been singing since she could talk. To Mattie, life is a musical. Every day and moment have its own playlist, and she is known to randomly break out into song. She has been taking private voice lessons for several years and has enjoyed singing with her church worship team. She is very excited for the opportunity to compete in Greer Idol, Jr. 

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Lela participated in the SC State Honor Choir in March. She was a member of the honor choir at her elementary school for two years and a member of the honor choir for her school district for one year.  Lela has taken voice lessons for almost two years now. She regularly sings with a group and as a soloist in plays at her local theatre. Some of her recent roles included, Titania (the queen of the fairies) in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mrs. Whobottom (the teacher) in the Grinch, and Nemo in Finding Nemo. This past fall she performed the national anthem at a Greenville Triumph game, men's professional soccer team. Lela also participated in Greer Idol Jr. last year!

Morgan comes from a family of talented musicians and singers. As far back as she can remember she has grown up hearing her older sister singing all of the time and she taught Morgan a lot.
Morgan has been singing in church for years on the youth and adult praise and worship teams. She has also participated in school talent shows. Singing is a passion of hers and she looks forward to singing all of the genres picked for the competition this year. 

Greer Idol (Ages 16+)

Heather Benjamin was in choir from 5th grade until her senior year in high school. She is super excited as she has never been in any sort of performance like this. Heather had been doing online singing competitions and covers of musicals. She had been the understudy for Eurydice and Persephone for an online production of Hadestown. She has never been a part of anything in person, but she is honored to be a part of this production for however long she is!

Ashlyn DeLoach graduated from the University of South Carolina in the fall of 2019 with a Bachelors degree in Music Education and is currently an elementary school music teacher. As a child, she loved singing with her older brother and was passionate about singing in school chorus class. Ashlyn took private voice lessons beginning in 8th grade and was able to continue voice lessons throughout high school through a performing arts scholarship she was granted in her hometown. In 2014, Ashlyn had the opportunity to sing for former SC Governor Nikki Haley at a private event in Pawleys Island, SC.

Ashlyn Edwards is 17 years old and she loves to sing. She has been singing since she was 4 years old. Her favorite genres to sing are Gospel, Country, Pop, and Show Tunes. The things she loves the most are God, family, music, and cats! She hopes one day she will be able to touch people through her music.

Brian Garner is a native of the Upstate, veteran of the USMC, and a devoted husband and father. Brian began singing when he was a kid but did not start performing for others until high school. After winning a school talent show, Brian began singing in front of others more often as a hobby. His greatest accomplishment in singing was making an un-televised appearance in front of the American Idol judges on ABC. Brian attributes music and singing to meeting the love of his life, Rachel, whom they mutually fell in love over each other’s voices. Along with his wife, Brian is currently the title holder for “Best Singer in the State/Duet Division”  presented by the Pitch Doctors LLC. Brian is excited to entertain you this summer and hopes to claim the title of your next Greer Idol!

Kaye Lynch used to sing, dance, and act with the Dwight Woods Repertory Theater at the Phillis Wheatley community center. She grew up singing in a church and she has been in chorus since the 5th grade. Other experiences that she has are performing with a step team that she started at her school. ​

Christian Reeder has been singing for majority of his life in church, in theatres, and just for fun around the house! Most recently, he has been performing more musical theatre pieces in shows such as Hairspray, Godspell, and Descendants, but he has always wanted to explore his voice and go back to his gospel and soulful roots. Music, to Christian, is such a therapeutic art as it allows people to experience freedom for those 3-4 minutes that a song is playing where they can forget everything that's going on in their lives and it also provides people the privilege to express themselves in unique ways. Going into this competition, as well as going forward in his musical career, Christian hopes that he can use his voice to help inspire, heal, and provide that same experience that music gives to him to everyone listening. 

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Jada Mackins has always had a love for singing and performing growing up. She has been performing in choirs for the past 9 years, Jada has also performed in a couple musicals. Singing always brings her joy and she loves to bring joy to others by doing what she loves!!