Youth talent shines at Wellesley ABC Idol

Pictured from left are Wellesley ABC Idol judges Tim Louis and John Beetle Bailey, finalists Eleanor Maggs, Kassie Lynne and Kristine King, and judges Allister Bradley, Saibal Chakraburrty. Contributed photo

By Gary West

The Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese (ABC) Festival crowned its 2025 Idol youth singing contest winner on Saturday.

The competition began more than four months ago with tryouts at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Wellesley. From 20 eager performers, eight were selected for the semifinals at the Wellesley Fall Fair in August. A fan-choice winner was also selected at the fair, earning $125 and the chance to perform alongside the finalists at the ABC Festival.

Finalists included Kassie Lynn of Wallenstein, Nora Parks of Wellesley, Breea Shouldice of Elmira, Morrigan Woolner of Petersburg, Kristine King of Baden, Kayla Weeks of Wellesley, Jadeyn Snider of Milverton and Eleanor Maggs of Linwood.

This year’s judging panel featured Cathy Whelan, Allister Bradley, John Bailey, Saibal Chakraburrty and Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis. Prizes awarded were $500 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third.

Organizers extended thanks to sponsors, including the Wellesley ABC Festival, Wellesley Township Fall Fair, St. Jacobs Printery, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Wellesley Apple Products, Oakview Farms, Sandhills Maple Products, Schmidtsville Restaurant, Joy Blooms, Wickedly Delicious and CDC Landscaping and Floristry.