South Elgin idol contest ends in tie

There can only be one "American Idol."

But in South Elgin, there are two Village Idols. Both Anna Marie Schutt, 9, and Hannah Sohl, 12, were crowned winners of the fourth-annual village singing competition Sunday during South Elgin Riverfest Express at Panton Mill Park.

Riverfest, the village's marquee event, began Thursday and ended Sunday.

Fifteen people vied to be South Elgin idol this year, but the competition was so tough that the competition ended in a tie.

Schutt won with "Broadway Baby" and Sohl stole the show with "Beauty from Pain."

They will split the $200 grand prize.

Three other contestants who won in their age group received a $50 Visa gift card:

• In the youth category for ages 11 and under, Alexis Nguyen won for her version of "God Bless the USA."

• In the teen category, for ages 12 to 17, Jaque Miller won by going retro with "Let it Be."

• Thomas Houghton took it for the adults with "Seminal Wind."