WESTBROOK – It was a more thrilling finish than anyone could have imagined – a tie in the voting means eight competitors have a shot at taking home the first-ever “Westbrook Idol” title Thursday night.

Fourteen semifinalists were whittled down to eight during a 21?2-hour event that rocked the Performing Arts Center at Westbrook Middle School on March 3. Estimated attendance was above 600 as people filled the lower bowl and much of the upper-level seating.

The crowd roared from the first dimming of the lights and kept the decibel levels high throughout the night. Eva Matteson, from the Coast 93.1 Early Show, hosted the event, while Saccarappa Principal Kate Hersom, Canal School Principal Jeremy Ray and Director of Community Services Maria Dorn served as judges.

Performances covered a variety of genres and tastes; some sang contemporary hits from artists like Bruno Mars, while others opted for classics by Fleetwood Mac and Prince. Those who played guitar while they sang generally received high praise from the crowd.

Seven finalists were initially announced at the end of the show, but Ray said this week that judges later learned there was actually a tie in the voting, sending an eighth performer on to the finals. Audience members chose their favorites by sending in text messages, just like on the show “American Idol,” which the local contest is fashioned after.

Here is a look at the eight finalists:

Ingrid Ayer-Richardson, a Westbrook resident who works at Unum, impressed the judges and crowd with a performance of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” She was one of several competitors who played the tune on guitar while she sang.

“I don’t think there’s anything you couldn’t sing,” Dorn said.

Richardson minored in music at Keene State College. She sings in the group Women in Harmony and in a duo called Pretty Girls Sing Soprano. She enjoys performing and loves sharing the emotion in music with her audience.

Patrick Colgan, a carpenter who works in Westbrook, also played guitar as he performed a surprising acoustic rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” The unique spin on the pop song impressed those in attendance.

“I don’t think we’ve ever heard ‘Purple Rain’ done that way before,” Matteson said.

Dorn wanted to hear Colgan’s takes on other ’80s classics, too.

“Prince who? I want to see what you do to ‘When Doves Cry,’” she said.

Colgan enjoys “busting a move” at wedding receptions, but says he listens to music more than he sings it. His influences range from Jimi Hendrix to Gene Autry to Dr. Octagon.

Gabriella “Gabby” Latini, an eighth-grader at Westbrook Middle School, also went acoustic when she performed “This One’s for the Girls,” by Martina McBride. Her poise on the stage earned her the praise of the judges.

“I think you just knocked it out of the ‘Brook, Gabby,” Dorn said.

Latini plays five instruments and sings in her church. She plays field hockey and softball and is a straight-A student. She was an entertainer for the 2010 Breast Cancer Walk and is active in supporting cancer research because of her father.

Raymond “Tripp” Richardson, an alumni of Westbrook High School class of 2009, donned a pair of aviators as he gave his best Elton John-inspired “Tiny Dancer” performance. He favors classic rock and lists his musical influences as Queen, the Beatles, Billy Joel, George Michael and Styx.

Richardson was the one finalist who nearly missed the cut. His name was not announced with the other finalists, but the judges later learned he tied another competitor and moved him on to the finals, Ray said.

Hersom credited Richardson for having “style and composure up on the stage.”

Jamie Gaudreau, who earned her spot in the finals by performing Martina McBride’s “Anyway,” is a local resident and a staff member at Westbrook Middle School.

Dorn said the school could utilize Gaudreau’s voice in an interesting way.

“If I worked at Westbrook Middle School, I would insist that you sing the announcements every day,” she said.

Gaudreau was raised around music and singing was a family activity. She is a mother of two and coaches cheerleading at Westbrook High School.

Margaret “Margo” Carroll, a student at the high school, gave an acoustic rendition of the hard rock hit “Scars,” by Papa Roach. It was a unique twist on the song, and, Ray said, he has been eyeing Carroll as a potential “Westbrook Idol” winner since auditions.

“You’ve been the dark horse for me,” he said. “Great job.”

Carroll was born in Somerville, Mass., and has been singing ever since she could speak. She plays the guitar and recently recorded her first original track. She announced she is attending Berklee College of Music’s summer program this year.

Jake Limanni, a Westbrook High student, drew high-pitched screams usually reserved for teen pop stars from the females in the audience with his version of Maroon 5’s “She will be Loved.” He is a member of the high school’s Chamber Singers and came with the confidence of having performed for large crowds before.

His musical talents reminded Hersom of Westbrook’s attempts to transform into an artist’s community. She recalled the slogan that says artists live and work here, saying, “That’s just proof. You are an artist.”

Courtney Mailly, another Westbrook High student, rounded out the finalists. She performed Leona Lewis’ song, “Bleeding Love.”

“I think you really closed the show on an A-plus,” said Ray.

Mailly has been singing her entire life, plays the piano, writes her own songs and sings with her church and the high school Chamber Singers.

In the final round, which takes place Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m., each finalist will have to perform two songs, Ray said. The winner will be decided by the audience votes.

Ray said the semifinals “went extremely well” and the event is a good showcase of the talent in Westbrook.

Ingrid Ayer-Richardson sings “Landslide” on her way to clinching a spot as a “Westbrook Idol” finalist.Staff photo by Joey Cresta