SPANISH FORT, Ala. — After nearly three months of competition, Ryan Dreibelbis, 11, of Mobile, on Thursday was named Alabama Idol 2008 for the kid’s division. Ashleigh Curry, of Mobile, was named Alabama Idol for the adult’s division.

Dreibelbis’ rendition of the Bon Jovi classic “You Give Love a Bad Name” had the crowd on their feet and clapping along to a high-energy performance. “I just want to tell my dad thanks,” Dreibelbis said. “He helped me out with my dancing and singing for the show.

“It really means a lot to me to be Alabama Idol.”

Dreibelbis took home $150 for the win.

Curry wowed judges by singing her favorite country song, Sugarland’s “Stay.”

“I’ve never been speechless,” Greg Peterson, Alabama Idol judge and WPMI TV-15 news anchor, said.

Curry, who was awarded a trip to Nashville, Tenn., for her win, said she’ll make the most of her time there.

“I’m going to try to sing at every karaoke bar in Nashville while I’m there,” Curry said.

Adult finalists included Curry, Larry Andrews, Cindi Gartman and Sarah Harper. Kid finalists included Dreibelbis, Victoria Ledkins and Bailey Trout. After nearly three months of competition, the finalists battled for the win at the second-annual Alabama Idol, held at the Blue Gill Restaurant on the Causeway. Nearly 20 adults and 12 kids began the competition with two being eliminated each round.

Brett Gambino hosted the show again this year; judges included Peterson, Alabama Idol 2007 winner Tanya Madison and Lite Mix 99 disc jockey Mason LaFayette.

“It was a great show,” Natalie Jarvis, of Mobile, said. “They all did an outstanding job.”

“Everyone who gets to the finals are very good,” LaFayette said. “In the finals it’s the tiny things that make the difference.”

Adult competition results were very close between Curry and Andrews, LaFayette said.

Aspiring singers who made it to the final rounds didn’t go home empty-handed. A consolation prize of $100 was awarded to each of the three adult runners-up. Kid runners-up were awarded a $50 Blue Gill gift card.

Ready for another idol competition?

The Eastern Shore Centre will have its first Eastern Shore Idol competition Saturday, Aug. 2 at 5 p.m.

Aspiring singers ages 17 and up are invited to participate. There is no cost for the event.

“It’s going to be a fun evening and we’re just asking people to come out and participate,” Kristen Kammer-Hattox, marketing director for the Eastern Shore Centre, said.

Eastern Shore Idol will take place during the tax-free weekend (see story, page 1A of the July 31 Spanish Fort Sun); a fireworks show will conclude the event at 8:30 p.m.

Two winners will be chosen and each will receive gift certificates to restaurants and the Eastern Shore Centre, according to Kammer-Hattox.

Each contestant must have two songs prepared and bring their own music, Kammer-Hattox said.

Residents wanting to compete in the competiton should call Kristen Kammer-Hattox at 251-625-0060 to sign up.