Meet the 12 finalists for 2016 Putnam County Star

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Back for its fourth year on the Dixie Chopper Free Stage at the Putnam County Fair, the 2016 Putnam County Star will feature 12 talented singers vying to succeed 2015 winner Tony Patrick.

Four-night competition will take place from Sunday through Wednesday of the fair at 7 p.m. each day.

Each finalist will perform on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. They will perform again on Wednesday evening, with a winner named at the end of the competition.

Penny buckets will be passed around during the performances so the crowd can vote for their favorite singer, with the total counting toward the overall score.

The 2015 field features two singers who have been finalists all four years of the competition, along with three others making their second appearance.

The other seven finalists are all newcomers.


Taylor Strong

Taylor Strong

Taylor Strong is a 16-year-old who loves being with her family.

"They mean the world to me," Strong said.

She said music gives her "an opportunity to shut off the world and not have to worry about all the crazy things going on in it."

She enjoys writing lyrics and creating songs, taking inspiration from a lot of old-school music, thanks to her mom.

"But I enjoy all sorts of music," she added.

Strong is a veteran of the Putnam County Star, having made the finals all four years.

"I love performing for PCS," Strong said. "It allows me to learn and grow and make new friends.

"I'm so excited. It's going to be a great year"


Addison Hughes

Addison Hughes

Addison Hughes, 14, is a sophomore at Greencastle Senior High School.

His favorite activities include acting, band class, Latin club, 4-H, the Classics Choir at Greencastle and student council.

His hobbies include playing the piano, singing, writing fiction, acting and teaching himself guitar.

"Music is such a diverse field," Addison says. "I want to have just as diverse a repertoire, so I'll try almost any song I see. If I had to pick a favorite genre, though, it would be classic rock and ballads from the '70s and '80s.

"I want to be the Putnam County Star because music is my passion," he continued. "Music is something I want to do with my life and becoming the Putnam County Star would be an exceptional first step. Even being in the top 12 is an amazing feeling."


Ashley Moeller

Ashley Moeller

Ashley Moeller, 30, Heritage Lake, is a 2007 Purdue University graduate who teaches Spanish at North Putnam High School.

She is also a server at Charbonos in Avon.

Moeller coaches cheerleading and dance and sings with the praise team at Bartlett Chapel.

Her hobbies include hanging out with her family, playing guitar and binge watching shows on Netflix.

"I prefer to perform country music that is a little sassy," Moeller said, "but I also enjoy harmonizing to songs at church."

A finalist last year, Moeller is back for her second year. A teacher by trade, she sees the chance to be the 2016 Putnam County Star as another avenue for mentoring young people.

"I love singing and performing and I feel like if I were a Putnam County Star I could encourage and teach people to love singing and performing as much as I do," Moeller said. "I really like that former winners return and give knowledge to current competitors and I would love to come back and mentor future Putnam County Stars."


Shelley Robbins

Shelley Robbins

Shelley Robbins, 27, works at Greencastle Hometown Dental.

"I am happily married to former contestant James Robbins and we have a daughter and are expecting another in December," Robbins said.

Robbins is one of two people who has competed in Putnam County Star all four years.

"I love being in this competition," she said. "It's fun to be able to get on stage and perform with fellow musicians in Putnam County."


Rebecca Lynn Allgood

Rebecca Allgood

Rebecca Lynn Allgood, 37, moved to Greencastle from Broken Arrow, Okla., when she was six.

She is the mother of a 14-year-old boy, who she describes as her "mini me, but let's face it he outgrew me a long time ago."

Allgood also has a boyfriend who is also her best friend.

She attends Roachdale Christian Church, where she teaches the children's ministry.

"The best way to describe me is I'm goofy at times," Allgood said. "I love to laugh and have fun with friends and family. I have my serious side but why be serious all the time makes life boring.

She enjoys cookouts and sitting by a fire on a cool night, "enjoying the company of all the amazing people in my life."


Anne Burdine

Anne Burdine

Anne Burdine, 19, is the daughter of Carrie and Danny Burdine.

She desribes as a "music-loving, Christian, country girl.

Burdine was born and raised in Putnam County.


Mackendra Stewart

Mackendra Stewart

Mackendra Stewart is the baby of six kids.

She says she loves anything outdoorsy.

Stewart has long loved performing.

"I've always had a passion for any type of performing from singing to dancing," Stewart said. "I really hope you enjoy watching me as much as I enjoy performing."


Parker Black

Parker Black

Parker Black is a 16-year-old musician who frequently performs in the community.

He is inspired by all genres of music but loves the Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

This is his second year competing in Putnam County Star and is very excited for this year's event.


Ashley Wilson

Ashley Wilson

Ashley Wilson is a 2013 graduate of South Putnam.

She is a senior at Indiana University, majoring in elementary education.

"I currently work at Monroe County United Ministries Daycare as a teacher's aide but hope to get a elementary teaching job after I graduate next spring," Wilson said.

Also a finalist in 2014, Wilson mainly hopes to have fun in the competition.

"I joined this competition because I love to be on stage and share my music with the community," she said. "Win or lose, I'm just in it for the fun."


Maggie Pruitt

Maggie Pruitt

Maggie Pruitt graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in linguistics and music in 2014.

"I recently married my favorite person Austen Pruitt and we are currently renovating our first home," Pruitt said.

Pruitt leads worship at The Storehouse church in Greencastle.

"I love spending time with family and friends and my dog Vut," she said.

Pruitt is simply looking forward to the Putnam County Star experience.

"I joined Putnam County Star because I love to sing and I think it will be a fun experience," Pruitt said.


Deneé Erwin

Deneé Irwin

Deneé Erwin is from Bainbridge.

She is married to Kevin Erwin and the mother to Shawné Huxley (Scott) and Sonora Erwin.

She has been involved with 4-H in Putnam County for several years.

She is excited and honored to be a part of this contest and hopes to raise lots of money for the future 4-H kids of Putnam County.


Ivy Smith

Ivy Smith

Ivy Smith describes herself as "one of the lucky children who was adopted by Debbie and Jerry Smith."

Music has been a growing interest for Smith for several years.

"I became interested in music at the age of 13," Smith said. "As a child I was always wanting a chance to be a part of the musical production 'Chicago.' When I turned 14 years old I begged my parents for an Indiana Guitar for my 15th birthday. My wish was granted!"

From that point, she taught herself how to play, having already written her first song as a seventh-grader.

She enjoys listening to and playing all types of music from the 1950s through current music.

Past musical experience includes singing the "Star-Spangled Banner" for school ball games, musical plays, various open mic nights, tryouts for "The Voice" and now Putnam County Star.

"I have to admit these are the opportunities that lots of people have helped me with and I am very thankful to say I have them," Smith said. "I hope to see you all at the Putnam County Fair -- stop by and say hello."

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  • Go Stars!

    -- Posted by Balding Eagle on Tue, Jul 19, 2016, at 10:07 PM
  • Looking forward to hearing some great music!! Good luck to all contestants!

    -- Posted by Falcon9 on Fri, Jul 22, 2016, at 8:34 AM
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