MENTOR – “Simply the best!”
Those were the welcoming words from Elfie Roman, who serves as Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood superintendent, before Deepwood Idol 2025 got underway and she couldn’t have been more spot-on, as what was to follow was at times emotional and reflective; at other times funny and fun-spirited; and all of the time inspiring, enthusiastic and exciting.
After “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed by Todd Reider, Megan Thornhill, Canesia King, Chloe Coolidge, Gabi Layton, Andrea Patrick, Jennifer Cabot and the students from the Broadmoor School Early Intervention and Preschool, the 13 contestants took their turns wowing the audience.
Matt Crosley kicked things off by singing and pop mega-hit “Bye, Bye, Bye” from NSYNC, complete with dance moves, and was followed by Cora Gedeon’s spirited rendition of “Love Story” by Taylor Swift.
Leeland Gilchrist than belted out an operatic number and Chris Dabson tickled the ivories playing “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin.
Julia Tecco sang a fiery rendition of “Earth, Wind, Fire and Air” by The Hex Girls. Robin Sullivan sang “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood passionately and then Alexia Hanus did vocal impressions of cars; everything from a 2011 Lamborghini to a Peterbilt Diesel. Mandy Cipriano was up next and sang “I Believe I Can Fly” by R Kelly with emotion.
Speaking of emotion, Kevin Hutchins dedicated his performance of “Sissy’s Song” by Alan Jackson to his sister and delivered a memorable tribute.
Breeanna Farley was next and commanded the stage with true showmanship for her electric rendition of “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga. Aidan Clark both sang and played piano for The Beatles classic “Let It Be,” and then Charlotte Daprano shared a soulful version of “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper, and Jordan Smith rounded things off with presence in spades singing “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors.
The judges all admitted it was a very difficult to score.
The 2025 Deepwood Idol judges were: Dan Troy, Ohio state representative; Judge Mark Bartolotta, Lake County probate court; Michael Zuren, Lake County treasurer; John Plecnik, Lake County commissioner; Richard Regovich, Lake County commissioner; Morris Beverage III, Lake County commissioner; Judge Joseph Gibson, LCBDD board president; and Wayne Brodnan, LCBDD vice president.
Aidan Clark and Jordan Smith tied for third place, Breeanna Farley earned second place and the 2025 Deepwood Idol earning a first-place finish was Charlotte Daprano.
“A showcase of a broad spectrum of talent and abilities,” Roman said of the event. “I want to thank Lake County and Mentor for being so inclusive and supportive.”
This year marked the 13th year for the event.
Master of ceremonies was handled by Matt Herman, Michael Shubert, Ellana Fishwick and Tanisha Carlgren, the latter a former multi-time Deepwood Idol winner.
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