Samantha Dawn Schoenthaler is the new State Fair Idol

Samantha Dawn Schoenthaler won over the crowd Sunday at the Budweiser Tent performing the fast-paced “Auctioneer,” by Pettis County’s own Leroy Van Dyke, to become the 2009 Missouri State Fair Idol winner.

“It’s amazing. I’m awe-struck,” Schoenthaler said.

Schoenthaler, 18, of Lake Ozark, is about to begin her senior year at School of the Osage in Osage Beach with some big bragging rights.

Schoenthaler competed against nine other performers during the last day of the state fair. She scored the most points from a panel of judges and received a trophy. She will open at the Pepsi Grandstand the first Thursday night of the 2010 Missouri State Fair.

“I’ve been singing ever since I was really young,” Schoenthaler said.

Schoenthaler was one of the top 10 contestants during last year’s idol competition and decide to give it another try.

“I’m freaking out,” she said.

Each of the contests performed two songs back-to-back during the competition, which is new to the contest this year.

Thom Fuller, coordinator and host of the idol competition, said by singing two songs it shows the judges and audience how the performer will do in front of a larger crowd.

“It’s their opportunity to do a mini concert,” Fuller said.

After grabbing the audience’s attention with her first song, Schoenthaler performed, “Love Don’t Even Know My Name,” a song written by her friend Tom Paden.

Fuller said Schoenthaler was “incredible.”

“All of that energy and sound coming out of that little package,” he said.

The petite Schoenthaler had the audience cheering before she even hit the chorus.

“You can’t miss her. She demands your attention,” Fuller said.

Keri Pitzer, of Warrensburg, was one of the judges Sunday.

“For me, it was her originality,” Pitzer said.

Pitzer said Schoenthaler also did well getting the audience involved.

Schoenthaler had support from her parents and friends.

Stacey Hawkes, of Jefferson City, was hopeful that her daughter would win.

“She’s worked really hard,” Hawkes said.

As soon as her daughter’s name was announced, Hawkes got up and rushed to be by her side, leaving everything she had with her on her seat.

“I don’t know if I could be more excited,” Hawkes said.

Schoenthaler soon will begin preparing for her big show next year, but she said if a career in music does not work out she plans to join the Navy and potentially become a K-9 officer.