AFN Airman tops Aviano Idol competition

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerome Baysmore
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Aviano Air Base, Italy --  Ten brave contestants sang for a 10 percent chance of making it to the top of the third annual Aviano Idol competition last Saturday. 

American Forces Network Aviano's Staff Sgt. Adrienne Brammer's rendition of "A Part of Your World," from the movie "The Little Mermaid," floated her into first place here and garnered her entry to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Idol April 14 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. 

"I'm still incredibly nervous - I have to keep performing," she said. "It's been three weeks of sleepless nights, and I don't know what's going to happen." 

Sergeant Brammer said she chose the song because she's always loved it, but she also had another reason to enter the contest. 

"I've wanted to sing with the USAFE band [Touch n' Go] because I think military bands are awesome - that's the best job in the Air Force," she said. 

Airman 1st Class David Koebele from the 31st Security Forces Squadron said he decided to enter to increase base morale and honor his favorite country singer Johnny Cash. 

"I've been singing for as long as I can remember," he said. "And I'm in it just to have fun. If I win, I win; if I lose, I lose. 

"Besides, if you're not having fun doing this, then what's the point," he said. 

Touch n' Go is touring USAFE bases for the Idol competition and Aviano was the fifth stop on the tour. The band wraps up base contests in the United Kingdom next week.
Contestants were awarded up to 60 points for their vocal performance and 40 points for stage presence. 

"I think it's good to help improve morale, and it's also good for the band," said Maj. Scott Guidry, USAFE band commander. "It improves their cohesiveness because they have to learn the new songs. It's a real team builder, and we're glad to be a part of it."