Robertson claims Golden Microphone at annual NC New Voice contest

Supporters of Navarro College enjoyed a mix of Christian and country music selections performed by six contestants participating in the college foundation’s annual scholarship fundraiser, Legacy’s “A New Voice” on Friday, March 1, at the Groesbeck Convention Center. Through a combination of online votes from fans and friends at $5 per vote, and scores provided by a panel of three judges, James Robertson, of Fairfield, came out on top as the Golden Microphone winner, and Yolanda Cox was runner-up.

Following a steak dinner catered by Leona General Store and Steakhouse, attendees heard from Navarro College District President Dr. Kevin Fegan about increased attendance at the college and his gratitude for community support in fundraisers such as Legacy: A New Voice.

Emcee for the evening, KNESFM 99.1 radio personality Buzz Russell, explained to the full house of attendees that contestants would be relying on their support to take home the gold.

“It’s going to be a combination of your votes and scores from our judges that will determine the winner of the Golden Microphone,” he said.

Contestants were selected in December 2023, and voting began immediately, leading up to the competition and continuing through the evening before a winner could be named.

Two of the three judges had been competitors in “A New Voice” in previous years; 2019 Runner-up Felicia Williams and 2022 contestant Gabriel Gibson were joined by local personality/ rodeo announcer J.R. McLelland to provide scores and feedback to each performer.

A navy veteran and the current Mexia State Supported Living Center chaplain, Robertson played the guitar while singing “Graves into Gardens,” by Brandon Lake, accompanied by guitarist Jacob Harrison. Although judges expressed their opinions that the song was “safe” and didn’t fully showcase his range, all stated they enjoyed the spiritual song and performance, giving him a total score of 27/30.

With the outpouring of votes and support from his fans, Robertson was pleasantly surprised to receive the Golden Mic at the conclusion of the event.

“When Buzz announced the winner, I was shocked, honestly,” Robertson said after the show. “The other contestants are amazing and have each been gifted with incredible talent. I set out to do this for kids like me; I grew up in a poor family, and without the military and the G.I. Bill, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to go to school. I know that route is not for everyone, so I set a goal to raise $4,000 for this fundraiser and that’s what it was really about for me – raising the money for the future of someone’s education. I ended up right over $2,600 and that was the most incredible part of this entire experience.”

A Fairfield native, Cox is a seventh-grade English teacher and a Police Academy graduate. She performed a moving rendition of “The Goodness of God,” by CeCe Winans, accompanied by backup singers and her nephew Jarrett Manning on the keyboard. Judges appreciated the performative nature and strength of Cox’s voice as well as the contributions made by Manning and the backup singers, awarding the first and only perfect score of 30/30 of the night. Her joy in being named the 2024 runner-up was almost palpable.

Other performers included:

• Navy veteran and past winner of the Austin Blues Society competition, Ginger Pickett, who performed “Angel From Montgomery,” by Bonnie Rait, complimenting her own voice with the addition of guitar, harmonica and a bluesy confidence that earned a score of 28/30 from the judge’s table. She is a native of Mexia and graduated from Teague High School;

• Mexia Junior High Principal Shane Holcomb, who sang “You and Texas,” an original, while playing guitar with feeling. Judges praised his passion and skill not only as a performer but as a songwriter, giving a total score of 28/30;

• Fairfield Police Department’s First Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Division, Howie Markham, who relied on experience garnered through his time in the band and choir at Navarro College to sing “Makin’ Me Look Good Again,” by Drake White. His soulful, gritty voice and vocal control wowed the judges for a score of 28/30; and

• Third-grade ESL teacher at Mexia’s Sims Intermediate, currently pursuing her Master’s degree, Kyleigh Smith, who took on the challenging song “Broken Wing,” by Martina McBride and impressed judges with her vocal range and powerful voice for her age. Judges commented on Smith’s tenacity taking on Mc-Bride’s song, noting she powered through the nerves and performed well for a score of 28/30.

Attendees also enjoyed performances from contestants of years gone by – 2023 Runner-up Linda Cox sang “How Majestic Is Your Name” to kick off the performances for the evening, and fan-favorite Blake Fisk sang “Praise You In This Storm” before the Golden Mic award was presented.

The fundraiser featured a handful of silent auction items, including a cowhide rug, canvas wall art, and a gift card bundle. Trays of steaks prepared by Leona General Store and Steakhouse were also auctioned off. Only one auction item was not sold: an adorable eight-week-old puppy from LARAS House in need of a “fur-ever” home.

Although the total amount of funds raised through the competition had not been calculated as time of press, every dollar raised will be put to good use. Christina Mims, Assistant Dean of Navarro College-Mexia stated the funds raised locally will be given to students in the tri-county area with no other means to attend Navarro. A small portion of the funds will go to the Teaching Innovation Award for local college faculty using classroom technology or equipment to reach students in a progressive way.