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Marin Nally named 2017 Putnam County Star
Persistence paid off for a pair of veterans of the Putnam County Star competition on Tuesday night at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
A finalist in the first Putnam County Star competition when she was just 13, Marin Nally, now 17, took the top spot this year by singing an acoustic version of Katy Perry’s “Roar” and following it up with a soulful rendition of Adele’s “All I Ask.”
Nally, the daughter of Doug and Angie Nally of Greencastle, has been a finalist in four of the five years of the Putnam Star competition.
“It feels incredible to win this year,” Nally said. “After being in the competition before and literally growing up in this competition, it felt so amazing to take home the win.”
In her third year of the competition, Ashley Moeller of Heritage Lake finished second.
“I was excited and shocked to win second,” Moeller said. “I didn’t even think I was going to make it to the top five, so to hear I won second was great.”
On the final night, Moeller sang “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette and an acoustic version of TLC’s “No Scrubs.”
She said they were her two favorites of the three-night competition because she grew up singing them.
There was a twist to the Putnam County Star competition this year, as it had eliminations. Each night people were eliminated based on judges’ scores.
This left five — Lilly Davis, Sarah Arnold, James Robbins, Moeller and Nally — to compete for the title on Tuesday.
“I know we say this every year but this year the talent that we had was out of this world,” 2016 winner Shelley Robbins, now an event organizer, said. “Everyone was so talented. This is why I love being involved because you not only get to hear some new talent but see how previous contestants have improved.
“This is why we encourage everyone to come out and audition again because you never know if that year will be your year.”
Fresh off her win, Nally echoed these sentiments.
“I would definitely encourage people to come out and audition,” she said. “You meet such amazing people and make so many amazing memories. You aren’t alone in it, there are people there to help you through this whole crazy experience. It is worth it.”
Nally also thanked everyone who has come out and supported her through the years, especially her friends and family.
“I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for them,” Nally said. “They have given me the confidence to get up on the stage and share my talent.”
This year the final contestants were allowed to do a fun, non-judged song.
Nally did a duet with Shelley Robbins of “Something Bad” by Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert. It was a crowd favorite.
Nally called it her favorite experience of the year and the most fun she’s ever had on stage.