The 2012 Blue Tide Idol talent competition allowed Long County High School students to showcase their singing skills April 6.

This year, 12 contestants participated, belting out tunes from a variety of genres, including country, rap, oldies and pop.

Kadeshia Martinez, who sang Rihana’s “Unfaithful,” took top honors in the competition. Miranda Taylor, who sang Lauren Alaina’s “Dirt Road Prayer,” finished in second place, and Taylor Holton’s rendition of Lady Antebellum’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” earned her third place.

Other participants were Valecia Picket, who sang “Color of the Wind” from the movie “Pocahontas;” Haley Riddle, who sang Lady GaGa’s “You and I;” Allison Foster, who sang the Beatles’ “If I Fell;” Brooke Helmuth, who sang Katy Perry’s “E.T.;” Sheighla Bryant, who sang Beyoncé’s “The Best Thing I Never Had;” George Palmer, who sang Demi Lavado’s “Sky Scraper,” John Armfield, who sang BOB’s “Airplanes;” and Elena Walker and Lashyla Sweet, who sang JoJo’s “Sweet Leave.”

Blue Tide students, parents and friends gathered to watch the competition, which also featured LCHS teacher Brandi Cox. Joseph Austin emceed the event, and Christi Crews, Destiny Kendry and Jeremy Scott served as judges. After the contest, LCHS Assistant Principal William Epps addressed the crowd and praised the young singers.