Hannah Ferranti won the 8-week Michigan Idol competition at VNO's Restaurant. Presenting the check is VNO Owner Greg Kimbrue. (MyBayCity Photo Courtesy of The Photography Boutique & Photo Booth)

---

Hannah Ferranti wins Michigan Idol at VNO's Restaurant

November 11, 2014
By: O. J. Cunningham

Hannah Ferranti chose her final song carefully for the final week of Michigan Idol competition at VNO's on Bay City's West Side.

You're shining
Like a 5th avenue diamond
And they don't make you like they used to
You're never going out of style

Those lyrics from MKTO's version of "Classic" said it all about Hannah Ferranti's 8-weeks of competition and also summed up her performance on the final night.

Joined on stage by her guitar-playing mother (Cheryl), Ferranti performed like a 5th Avenue diamond and showed the judges why her singing style was worthy of a Michigan Idol first place finish.

For her effort, Ferranti took home a check for $500 that was presented after her performance by owner Greg Kimbrue of VNO's Restaurant.

Ferranti was humble and proud of her first place achievement. "Music (to me) is life," Ferranti explained.

"Growing up in a musical family, music was not only what we used to be artistic, but used as a way to express ourselves," Ferranti said. "Every hurt, frustration, even joy and excitement that came with the twist and turns of life growing up...we would use dance, writing, singing, and playing to help us process through every situation," she went on. "Music has a way of emotionally connecting with people that touches exactly what they're feeling in a single moment. It's relatable, fun, encouraging, & even healing."

Ferranti was also happy that her mom was able to be to be a part of her final night's performance. "Mom was definitely out of her comfort zone, but it was incredible to me that we were able to do something together," she explained. "I'm so proud of mom learning the song THAT DAY so that she could share this night with me."

Ferranti went on to say that the 8-week contest was an incredible experience. "The IDOL experience is a fantastic way to bring out the musical talent in the local area," Ferranti said. "People in this area have talent and I applaud events like these that simply give those talented people the opportunity to do what they love," she added. And she gave special thanks to all the judges that volunteered their time.

Ferranti also applauded all the other contestants. "Hats off to all the singers that put themselves out there and used what the judges said to improve," Ferranti went on to say. "EVERYONE showed improvement by the end of the season," she added. "The atmosphere was great -- not just competition, but everyone rooting for each other so that we could all grow in our singing talents.