Yellowknife (Apr 21/06) - After four weeks of competition, Kaitlyn Denroche emerged as the second North of 60 Junior Idol.

Denroche, 13, was selected from a closely-matched pack Saturday night at the Legion.

Kaitlyn Denroche applauds the night's competitors after becoming Yellowknife's second North of 60 Junior Idol. She was selected from 12 other talented competitors at the sold-out Legion Saturday night. - Adam Johnson/NNSL photo

Amelie Duval placed a close second, impressing the judges with her vocal maturity on Simple Plan's "Untitled."

"That was completely solid front to back," said judge Mike Guenther. "That was your best song of the competition."

But it was Denroche's confidence and consistency that seemed to win her the competition, as judges complimented her poise on-stage for Faith Hill's "There You Will Be."

"When you get up there, we know you're serious," said judge Morris Bishop. "And that's a good thing."

Nerves seemed to affect some competitors, as Chrissy Strand had some trouble remembering the words to Terri Clark's "No Fear."

However, Strand battled back in the next round with a rousing version of Farmer's Daughter's "Cornfields or Cadillacs," drawing hoots and hollers from the packed crowd.

"It looks like you kicked those nerves to the curb," said Guenther with a laugh.

Denroche was presented with a plaque by Mayor Gord Van Tighem, as well as a diamond worth $1,000 and various other prizes.

Afterwards, Denroche said she was in "utter shock" at being selected as the night's winner.

"It was a really great experience," she said. "I'm just glad my mother didn't puke from nervousness."

Pete Ardley, one of night's judges, said the performers were given a "clean slate" in the finals.

"We just judged them on what we saw tonight," he said, though he noted how close the competition had been.

North of 60 Idol organizer Lorne Power said he was very pleased with the way the competition had come across, as well as the level of talent that was on display.

"This will ensure the success of the senior Idol," he said, as he hoped Junior Idol contestants would move on when they turned 18.

The fourth North of 60 Idol begins this fall.