Photo: Big Sandy Community and Technical College

Students from area high schools gathered at the Mountain Arts Center on Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10 for their chance to become the 2018 Big Sandy Idol. Twenty-eight students representing high schools from across Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike counties competed, with runner-ups performing on Friday for a chance to advance to Saturday night’s competition. Mykayla Daniels from Johnson Central High School and Danica Dye from Belfry High School tied to advance to Saturday’s competition. The title of Big Sandy Idol went to Johnson Central High School student Aliyah Allen, who will receive a full scholarship and a spot with the Big Sandy Singers and band, and an album recording. The Big Sandy Singers and Band and the Big Sandy Idol Regional Competition have awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships since it began 12 years ago.