BLOOMINGTON - Ben Laxton has very practical plans for the $1,000 he won Thursday night as the 2008 McLean County Idol winner. | Something to crow about | Updated photo gallery | Thursday fair results

"I'll pay for books and other school expenses," said Laxton, 20, who beat out 19 other competitors at the McLean County Fair.

A son of Tom and Drinda Laxton, of Bloomington, Laxton attends Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., where he majors in musical theater.

Laxton, who sang an Eric Clapton song, "Change the World," placed third last year.

"Your voice is phenomenal," said judge Chris Hollingsworth, an assistant professor of voice at Illinois State University.

Laxton said winning left him "really, really excited."

He hopes for a career on Broadway and has been studying voice for five years with private teachers.

Coming in second and winning $750 was Jill Jordine, of LeRoy, who had a huge cheering section on the dirt infield in front of the stage.

Placing third and getting $500 was Jenifer Sandrow-Smith of Normal. Fourth was Leslie Starkey of Downs, who got $250.

Placing fifth and winning $100 was Mitch Crain of Normal.

Some 400 people watched the show, which started late because workers were busy smoothing out the muddy field. Some of the crowd sat on folding chairs in the field and others in bleachers.

The crowd was enthusiastic, some holding placards extolling their favorite performer.

Such was the case with fans of Katy Northcutt, 25, of Bloomington, who held up signs with her image on them to cheer her on.

"We're doing it to support her because she is an awesome singer," said Northcutt's mother, Paula Northcutt.

An emergency room nurse, Katy Northcutt said she'd love to be a performer.

Laxton feels the same way, saying singing for a living would "be the greatest thing in the world."

Laxton sang for the first time in public in church when he was only four years old, he said.

"Singing is a great way to let everything go. It's a rush being on stage in front of people," he said.

---

Friday's lineup

The McLean County Fair continues today at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. Here is what you need to know:

Highlights: Merchants Day (children 6 to 12 admitted free with coupon available at Avanti's, McDonald's, First State Bank of Heyworth, Heartland Bank and Country Insurance-McLean Agency on Hershey Road); carnival and on-ground entertainment, 1 p.m. to midnight. Free concerts, including Anjanele Folkens, 6:45 p.m., Cattle Bandits, 7 p.m., John Anderson, 7:45 p.m.

Admission: Single-day, $5, adults; $3, children ages 6-12. Five-day admission wristband, $10; $6. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Extra fees apply for some events.

Parking: Free

Free daily entertainment: All the 4-H exhibits, petting zoo, live alligator show, comedy and magic shows, face painting, antique tractor display, dog agility demonstration, emergency services display, chainsaw carving, strolling clown, balloon artists, Children's Discovery Museum exhibit, more.

On the Net: www.mcleancountyfair.org