A panel of judges have selected Alex Pretzer of Bracebridge as AJ’s Idol for 2007.

The Grade 11 student from St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School chose the Sarah McLachlan song Building a Mystery for her final number in the four-night competition.

“The judges felt it suited her vocal range very well,” said judge Paul Feist.

While Pretzer said she likes all types of music, especially ballads, the music of McLachlan is a special favourite.

As AJ’s Idol winner for 2007, Pretzer received $500 in cash and a $500 contract for a demo CD by Project Sound of Gravenhurst.

Pretzer moved from Huntsville to Bracebridge a year ago. Before she moved she studied singing under Jill Berry in Huntsville and, for a time, took piano and guitar lessons. Now that she is settled into her new home, she is planning to find a local guitar teacher.

Now 16, she entered many singing contests when she was young and has performed at school events. She sang a solo during the official opening ceremonies for the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville. In 2006 she was a member of the chorus in the North Muskoka Players production of Elton John’s and Tim Rice’s Aida performed at the Algonquin Theatre.

Fifteen singers from around Muskoka participated in this, the third Idol event at AJ’s Roadhouse in Bracebridge.

At the first of four shows, the contestants sang the song of their choice with no accompaniment in front of judges Sean Connon of Moose FM, Huntsville choir director Sherisse Stevens and actor Paul Feist. The second session Oct. 31 was a little easier with backup music by Huntsville band Laganza. The music was from the ’70s and ’80s, and Pretzer’s choice that week was the Whitney Houston song, The Greatest Gift of All.

Country music was the requirement for week three. It is not Pretzer’s first choice but her rendition of Faith Hill’s Breeze kept her in the running.

It is much too soon to consider making a career of music, she said. The CD and guitar lessons are about as far ahead musically as she wants to plan. That and perhaps another production like Aida.