CHOCOWINITY — The winner of last month’s Tar Heel Variety Theater talent show will step out into the spotlight once again Saturday evening.

Country crooner Chad Delph of New Bern is the opening act for the Tar Heel’s concert featuring music legend Billy “Crash” Craddock. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.

The opportunity fulfills a longtime dream for the 19-year-old barber school student.

“I started singing when I was 8 years old, just plain gospel music,” Delph said. “When I was round 15 years old I started singing classic country music along with gospel. My first public performance was at an assisted living home … I sang old Hank Williams songs.”

Williams is Delph’s idol and inspiration. In fact, the slender, 6’5″ Delph bears a striking resemblance to the late country music star. Of the four songs he will perform Saturday, two will be tunes made famous by Williams, “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I Can’t Help It If I’m Still in Love With You.”

Angie Lewis, whose family owns and operates the Tar Heel Variety Theater, said she is excited to host Delph and Craddock this weekend. Delph was a favorite of both the audience and the judges when he topped a field of 18 contestants during the Tar Heel talent competition.

“Chad is such a talented young man and he has a promising future ahead of him,” Lewis said. “I think we will see a lot of him in the future.”

Delph is the son of Christopher and Lillie Delph. Recently he’s been juggling performing with completing his studies at barber school.

“Barbering is something no one can take away from you,” Delph said. “It’s my goal to make my living singing, and if that’s the case barbering will come on the road with me.”

Delph added that he considers it an honor to share the Tar Heel stage with Billy “Crash” Craddock, a North Carolina native whose career has produced nine number one singles. Craddock’s hits include “Knock Three Times”, “Broken Down in Tiny Pieces”, “Dream Lover” and his signature song, “Rub It In.”

*For more information about Saturday’s concerts and other upcoming events at Tar Heel Variety Theater, call 252-975-2117 or visit www.tarheelvarietytheater.com. The theater is located at 485 Carrow Road west of Chocowinity.