The winner of Friday night’s Central Star Finals said he’s not worried
about competing for Central Star of the Year.

Essexville junior Joe Rivard was the winner and the runner-up was
Jennifer Watson, a Detroit freshman.

Rivard said playing guitar in his room inspired him to compete in
the finals.

“I didn’t really know what to expect coming in, and I was like,
‘This is awesome,’” Rivard said. “I had a really, really great time.”

The two will compete in the Central Star Grand Finale April 15. They
will compete against Benton Harbor freshman Michelle Brooks, the fall
2004 Central Star, as well as Lakeview freshman Amy Burdo and Midland
freshman Jenny Moon, the Feb. 25 Central Star winners.

Rivard said he will go into the event relaxed.

“I’m just looking forward to it,” Rivard said. “I really don’t care
if I win or lose.”

While she hopes to win the Grand Finale, Watson said competing
against Brooks would be a challenge.

“I’m really nervous competing against Michelle,” Watson said.

The Central Star Finals took place in the Carey Residential
Restaurant. On the Fly Productions sponsored the finals as part of its
ongoing Central Star competition, based on Fox’s popular show “American
Idol.”

“I love how things go at Central Star,” said Hope senior and public
relations co-chairwoman Sarah Cay. “It is just great people will take
that bold step and show their talent and other people will come support
them in the meantime.”

The Central Star Grand Finale will be take place at 8 p.m. April 15
in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. Admission is free.

Bob Guinea from ABC’s “The Bachelor” will make a special guest
appearance at the Grand Finale with the Bob Guinea Band.

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