On Sept. 28, 13 contestants participated in the Athens Main Street Thursday Night Talent event on the square hosted by Athens-Limestone Hospital. At that time, the contestant pool was narrowed from 13 down to six, and round two was set for Oct. 26. The six contestants were A.J. Simmons, Devin Simmons, Jennifer Simmons, Zami Maré, Kaylee Jordan and Katie Call.
The contest judges were given the difficult task of narrowing the six down to three, and Devin Simmons, Kaylee Jordan and Zami Maré made the cut.
After the three performed their second song of the night, Zami Maré was named the runner up as well as the people’s choice, and Kaylee Jordan was the second runner up. Both of them received a $100 gift certificate to be used at local restaurants.
Devin Simmons wowed the crowd and won the competition with his rendition of the song “Georgia” made famous by late Ray Charles, a native of Georgia. The grand prize for Simmons was $1,000. After winning, Simmons spoke to The News Courier and kept it simple.
“I love being from Athens, and I am blessed to have won this competition,” said Simmons.
Athens Main Street Director Tere Richardson was very enthusiastic about the event and shared the importance of an event like this for downtown Athens.
“It’s always great to have events like this because there will be people who have never been to Athens before. Different kinds of events speak to people differently, and something like a talent night, people will see somebody on the list and want to travel over to see them. Once they’re here, they’ll see what we have to offer,” said Richardson.
With activities like Thursday Night Talent, Athens Main Street is an effort that continues to gain support in the community.
“We’re a nonprofit, and our community advocates for us. They volunteer with us and the feedback we get on the events we do and the renovations we do, like the Alley and the farmers market, I’m thrilled with the support we get,” said Richardson.