The eager crowd of more than 400 spectators got even more than they bargained for at the 2007 Bay Area Teen Idol finale competition on Saturday.

The three finalists each performed five songs, complete with costume changes, on stage accompaniment and props — but despite 15 flawless performances only one contestant could win the 2007 Teen Idol title.

After two hours of fierce competition, Clint Guevara, a junior at North Bend High School, was selected as the winner of the 2007 contest. Alyssa Birrer, a freshman at Marshfield High School, was named the first runner up, followed by second runner up Aaron Toulou, a freshman at Myrtle Point High School.

Guevara was the first contestant on stage on Saturday and the last one standing. His consistent skill and great vocal range added to his frequent high scores throughout the competition, which began on July 12, said judge Karl Bender.

Guevara was announced the winner of the competition to a roar of approval from the crowd. He received a $500 grand prize, a one term tuition scholarship to Southwestern Oregon Community College, several gift certificates and more.

“I still can’t believe it. My stomach is still turning,” Guevara said after the competition, with a stunned expression on his face. “I really thought it could have been any one of us.”

A confident and dedicated performer, Guevara also demonstrated the ability to sing a variety of different musical genres, performing showtune renditions with the same poise as a patriotic tune. He sang “Letters from Home,” “For Once in My Life,” “Firecracker,” “Sway” and the Emcee’s pick, which all contestants were required to perform, “My Destiny.”

Although he had been disappointed by early elimination in a previous local music competition, The Colgate Country Showdown, Saturday was Guevara’s day. Every time he was on stage the singer packed a new punch for the spectators — changing from a Vietnam era soldier serving overseas to a fast talking, smitten cowboy in the blink of an eye.

But Birrer didn’t give an inch throughout the final round. Bringing the audience to their feet throughout her a capella performance of “Star Spangled Banner,” and swinging to the music in glittering gold fabric while singing “Chain of Fools,” Birrer had no intention of giving up the spotlight.

An early favorite in the competition and a veteran from the 2006 contest, Birrer seemed a shoo-in for the title, Bender said. But the great talent of the 13 other contestants this year meant it was anyone’s game, he added.

Birrer, who was selected as the People’s Choice winner for two consecutive weeks during the competition, and shared the same award with Guevara prior to the semifinals, was tied with Guevara throughout Saturday’s final round. Yet in the last category, Guevara’s performance edged ahead of Birrer as he performed on the electric keyboard while singing “My Destiny.”

Toulou remained a strong contender in the finals, staying just one step behind Guevara and Birrer. Although she had originally joined the contest as an unknown singer, at the 2007 Coos County Fair and Rodeo Toulou broke out of the background and snagged a place in the spotlight. While she didn’t always perform with the confidence of Guevara or Birrer, Toulou swept into the top three at the Teen Idol semifinals and was grinning on stage throughout the final round.

Shooting for the top

Backstage  at the contest, contestants paced, adjusted costumes, received best wishes from friends and checked their props between sets. The three finalists didn’t share a lot of conversation but were always ready to offer a few wishes of good luck or tie a few hair ribbons.

As the judges’ decision approached, the finalists turned away from knots of friends and family, to the other nervous faces in the crowd. As Guevara finished his final performance, and the moment of truth came calling, Birrer and Toulou stood together backstage, holding hands and doing their best to smile.

According to Guevara, the contestants formed deep friendships throughout the competition and kept the rivalry on stage.

“We all got close during our performances together. It was hard as people were eliminated from the competition,” he said. “But Alyssa and Aaron and I all love to do the same thing and we all do it so well. It was a lot of fun to work together.”

That was a sentiment echoed by the two girls, who embraced each other after the winner was announced.

“We’ve all worked really hard to get here. I’m happy for Clint,” Birrer said. “We formed a close bond. It’s always great to do things like this and make new friends.”

There may have been some disappointment, but both Birrer and Toulou kept it hidden behind smiles and accepted congratulations graciously.

“I think it was fair — I didn’t care if I won or not,” Toulou said. “I felt really confident. I had a few butterflies but I’m sure everyone did. I’m just glad I performed well and I had the chance to be in the final.”

Bringing down the house

The finale included performances by several other Teen Idol contestants who were eliminated earlier in the competition and two selections by 2006 Teen Idol winner Samantha Rogers.

Star Moralez soloed Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” and was rewarded by  enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Angel McRae performed oldies tune “Johnny be Good,” with some comedic on-stage assistance from fellow Teen Idol contestant Taryn Burgey, as “Johnny.”

But once the performers came back on stage, vying for the top spot, the judges were constantly faced with scoring flawless performances and determining a winner.

Judge Kim Handsaker said she was mystified as to who would come out on top.

“I gave the first three categories to Alyssa and the last two to Clint. But I didn’t know how it would turn out until the end,” she said, shaking her head. “Clint has such a range. Few people can get as low as he does, but even fewer can stay there.”

Bender said both Guevara and Birrer were ahead of the pack from the beginning of the contest, and the two singers were “neck and neck up to the last round.”

“We said way back at the beginning, this wasn’t over till it’s over. Today, it was just as hard as ever,” he added.

While winning first runner-up may not have been Birrer’s original plan, she didn’t seem too concerned.

“It’s all about being here and doing what you love,” she said with smile. “Am I going to compete next year? Definitely.”

Guevara provided polished performances throughout the last month of the competition, at the semifinals and in the final round, which he attributed to constant practice. Guevara said he also was glad to have received some excellent assistance in preparing for his performances from Burrell and Cassie Justice, of Little Theatre on the Bay — who also coached Birrer.

“As far as I’m concerned, Randy Travis, Josh Turner, they don’t have anything on Clint,” Bender said. “It’s amazing to have this kind of talent in our area.”

As the winner of the Teen Idol title, Guevara said he plans to get back to school for the fall quarter and join the LTOB “Little Big Band,” production. He also will be a teen spokesman for drug- and alcohol-free activities and make special appearances at events throughout the county, contest organizers said. And while other contestants make plans and set their sights on the 2008 title, Guevara said he has some hopes of his own.

“I plan to compete in the Colgate Country Showdown again next year,” he said with a smile.

One thing is for sure, both Guevara and Birrer are out for number one next year — and whether it’s for Teen Idol or Country Colgate, neither will take no for an answer.