The Sundre resident recently named this year's Olds Idol discovered years ago an affinity for singing after purchasing a karaoke machine for his daughter's Christmas present.
The Sundre resident recently named this year's Olds Idol discovered years ago an affinity for singing after purchasing a karaoke machine for his daughter's Christmas present.
Over the following years, Darrell Franke said they continued to add on to the karaoke machine until they had built up quite a system that became a fun and entertaining part of get-togethers with friends and family.
"It's almost a tradition," he said.
"I love to sing."
So when the 59-year-old who moved to Sundre last summer heard through the grapevine about the seventh annual Olds Idol contest, he decided to throw his name in the hat.
"I just ended up going and having some fun."
The event was held Friday, Feb. 3 at the Night Owl, wrapping up before 2 a.m. There were 17 contestants competing for this year's title, and Franke placed first in a close one-point race with runner-up Joe Whyte of Olds. Olds College student Alex Buskens took third place. Prizes worth a total of $1,100 were handed out. Performers were judged on categories such as stage presence, knowledge of the lyrics as well as crowd participation.
"I like interacting with the crowd," said Franke.
"You kind of learn how to pick the songs that get the crowd going and use that to your advantage to just have fun."
Although he has a preference for singing the blues, Franke opted to sing Lynyrd Skynyrd's Call Me the Breeze followed by Frank Sinatra's New York, New York.
Intending primarily to have a good time, Franke said he did not anticipate being named this year's winner, even if the hope was somewhere in the back of his mind.
"There were some great singers there," he said, calling the contest a "close race. It was unexpected. A lot of things fell into place, and it was an honour to place first."
Anxiety can impact a contestant's performance, and although he admitted feeling nervous, Franke focused instead on his songs and the crowd rather than remaining fixed on the screen.
"If I was going to have any advice for contestants who are going to try out next year, pick the right songs and know them!"
Although a winning contestant cannot run for the title again the following year, Franke said he'd be willing to consider coming back as a guest judge.
Franke was born in Olds and relocated to Sundre from Taber last year, and said he was glad to be able to reconnect and rekindle relationships with friends and family in the region.
