And the winner of Hilo Idol is …

In front of a cheering crowd of more than 300 people, 22-year-old Kacy Sanchez of Honoka‘a laid it all out on the grand stage Saturday night at Hilo Town Market to become the first ever Hilo Idol.

“I’m definitely speechless,” said Sanchez after the finale of the Big Island’s ultimate singing competition. “I really don’t know what to say.”

The Waikōloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa barista has been singing since she was 3 years old and was nearly perfect after two rounds of competition Saturday night. Out of a total of 600 possible points, Sanchez received 593.

Not only is she the youngest person to be among the six finalists in the competition, she also is the only one to receive a perfect score at any point throughout any rounds. She was awarded a perfect score during her semifinal round Oct. 25.

“I feel so honored and privileged to have even been chosen to be in this program,” Sanchez said.

A lover of R&B, soul and pop music, she sang “Love” by Keyshia Cole in the first round of the finale and then belted out a pitch perfect “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston in the second round to seal the deal.

“Whitney would be proud,” said judge HawaiiazOwn MainLan of We Stranded Records after Sanchez’s rendition of Houston’s song. “That’s it.”

As the winner of Hilo Idol, Sanchez won $1,312.50, half of the prize pot collected throughout the duration of the entire competition, which began in August. The other half will be donated to help families in Lahaina, Maui, impacted by the devastating Aug. 8 wildfire.

She also will receive a 6-month professional mentorship with Lōʻihi Studios owner Jonathan Humphries, who was also Hilo Idol’s director. Humphries will assist Sanchez with understanding the inner workings of the music industry and the tools she needs to navigate her options to take advantage of the exposure provided by the competition.

Editor’s note: A full story from Saturday’s Hilo Idol finale will be published Sunday afternoon.