Pam Wright showed her diversity Saturday night at Orcas Idol, performing rock and roll, a classic Broadway tune, and folk with a strong soprano voice and an attitude that owned the stage.

Wright’s hard work paid off when the audience voted her the 2009 winner of Orcas Idol. With a crown on her head and flowers in her hand, audience members were on their feet cheering as Wright sang the last song of the night, “Welcome to the Jungle.”

As the winner, she has received a $200 cash prize donated by Radio Shack and a professional recording session.

Wright is a K-6 music teacher for Orcas Elementary School; she also teaches privately at her home. She has been a singer since 1978 when she was in high school, and was a voice major while completing her bachelor’s degree in music. This is the third year she has competed in Orcas Idol, and she says, “I am still in shock.”

Her husband Brian and seven-year-old niece Destiny were in the audience cheering her on. Destiny came to live with the Wrights just last week, so the whole thing was “pretty cool” for her.

Wright says her students have been supportive as well.

“So far, my students have been pretty excited about it. Hopefully this will encourage them to practice!”

Held at Orcas Center and coordinated primarily by a group of volunteers, the event was professional and well executed from start to finish, from the sound to the lights to the goodies served at intermission. Orcas Idol is a fundraiser for Orcas Island Prevention Partnership.

A spinning disco ball flashing diamonds of light over the audience started off the show, which was hosted by Anita Orne and Gordon Koenig.

The Orcas Idol judges – Terry Anderson, Grace McCune, and Gene Nery – had narrowed down the competitors to a group of eight during the auditions at the Grange on Jan. 24. The finalists were Stephan Baker, Yuko Horikawa, Jason and Ariana Dean, Margie Doyle, Pamela Evans, Susan Weiss, Pamela Wright, and Conrad Wrobel. Doyle was unable to compete in the event due to a death in her family.

The format was a little different this year. The first round was pop/rock, the second round was jazz/Broadway and the third round was country/folk. The audience voted via a secret ballot immediately after each round, eventually narrowing it down to the finalists.

During round one, Baker performed “Born to Run,” sporting a short new haircut. He played the saxophone and rocked the stage. “You made Bruce Springstreen proud,” said McCune.

Horikawa gave a majestic performance of the Japanese song “Shamisan Lament,” that Nery said was “a perfect example of being able to convey the emotional impact of a song without people knowing what you’re saying.”

Father and daughter duo Jason and Ariana blended their two voices wonderfully in a dramatic rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Much to the audience’s delight, they both dabbled in air guitar and air piano. “Ariana, you have chutzpah, girl,” said McCune.

Wrobel sang “Ten Thousand Fists,” bringing a little heavy metal to the evening. Wrobel made use of the whole stage, wearing just a leather jacket and pants with long chains. “Every time you perform, you don’t hold anything back,” Anderson told him.

Evans followed Wrobel with an emotional a cappella version of “In my Life.” McCune said to Evans, “It is so difficult to sing a cappella and stay on pitch, but you did it beautifully.”

Weiss gave a classy performance of “New York State of Mind,” with some creative lyrics, inserting “Orcas State of Mind” and “Island State of Mind” instead. “That was smooth. You have a great voice,” said McCune.

Wright brought the house down with “Welcome to the Jungle,” wearing ripped jeans, a leather jacket, and a Kiss t-shirt. She dominated the stage during an energized performance that got the audience clapping. “Thank you,” said McCune. “I’ll remember this for a long time.”

After the second round, the judges decided to keep all the contestants for round two and tabulate the totals from each round to determine the final three.

The contestants brought out their softer sides during the jazz/Broadway round.

Baker performed “Fly me to the Moon” that Nery said was “Sinatra channeling Elvis.”

Horikawa sang a moving Japanese jazz song called “Madison County.” Anderson said to Horikawa, “In any language that was sweet. It carried us away.”

Jason and Ariana gave an adorable duet of “Hit the Road, Jack.” McCune told them, “There should be a separate award for just entertainment. You guys are great.”

Wrobel performed an animated version of “Oogie Boogie’s Song” from the “Nightmare Before Christmas.” “You can control the stage and it’s fun to watch,” said Anderson.

Evans sang “On my Own” from Les Miserables, giving a strong, emotional performance. “The passion you imbued in that song was great,” commented Nery.

Weiss sang “Over the Rainbow,” with Nery saying she had “really great control.”

Wright switched from rock to elegance with “Summertime,” which she sang like a pro. “Congratulations. That was perfect,” said Anderson.

While the votes were being counted for the final round, Jess Gudgell, winner of the Orcas Idol Junior competition on Jan. 24, sang her winning country tune, “Our Song,” followed by the judges and all of the Idol Junior contestants singing “Lean on Me.”

The finalists were then announced: Baker, Weiss, and Wright. But there was a surprise – Jason and Ariana received enough votes to be the fourth finalists.

Baker started off round three with “Give me Three Steps,” making good use of a red cowbell.

Jason and Ariana harmonized with “Around the World.” Anderson said, “The two of you have added a new dimension to this show. I’ve had a blast watching you.”

Bringing out an Irish accent, Weiss sang an a cappella version of “Princess and the Frog.” Nery thanked her for “reminding us that part of singing a song is telling a story.”

Wright gave a soft, sweet performance of “Sunshine on my Shoulders.” McCune said, “Your voice is a beautiful soprano.”

While the votes were being tabulated for the 2009 Orcas Idol winner, event coordinator Donna Laslo thanked the many people involved in making Orcas Idol happen, and brought the coordinating team on stage. Everyone received flowers.

Last year’s winner Locket Goodrich then sang his winning song “Hallelujah” followed by “I’m Yours.”

Before the big announcement was made, the judges gave out their own awards to each contestant. Wright received “Best Audience Participation,” Baker won “Best Rock and Rolling,” Horikawa got “Most Personal,” Wrobel received “Best Shakin’,” Weiss won “Perfect Pitch,” Jason and Ariana were awarded “Chutzpah and Confidence,” and Evans received “Most Inspiring Song.”