CHOCOWINITY — Aspiring singers from Pinetops, Chocowinity and Bath took top honors Saturday evening during Tar Heel Variety Theater’s talent showdown.

The karaoke-style singing competition drew 20 contestants from throughout eastern North Carolina, according to Angie Lewis, whose family operates the Chocowinity entertainment venue.

The judges awarded first prize to Chris Allen of Pinetops, who wowed the audience and drew two standing ovations for his rendition of the gospel song “I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy.”

Allen’s win garnered him a spot as opening act when the Tar Heel hosts a May 16 concert starring gospel entertainer Ivan Parker.

“I think it’s awesome; I’m really excited,” said Allen of the opportunity to share a stage with Parker, a North Carolina native who has forged a successful career in gospel music. Parker has received several male vocalist awards and has been featured as part of the Gaither television show.

Allen said Saturday’s event was his first  competition, even though he has been singing for 15 years. He has sung in concert in area churches with his wife and parents. The father of two children, he is a market manager with Piggly-Wiggly in Grifton.

Chocowinity’s own Levi Cobb took second prize with his version of “The Impossible Dream”, which has been previously performed by such notables as Frank Sinatra, The Temptations, Roberta Flack and Elvis Presley.

Cobb said he began singing as a member of the school choir while attending John Cotten Tayloe Elementary School in Washington. He now sings regularly as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Washington.

Third prize was awarded to Chris Alligood, a middle school social studies teacher from Bath. Alligood performed Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and entered the contest as a birthday gift for his mother. He has been singing for about 20 years and the Tar Heel event was his first competition.

Allen, Cobb and Alligood each received a cash award provided by Tar Heel Variety Theater.

The talent show featured a guest appearance by Chad Delph, who won a similar talent showcase hosted by the Chocowinity theater in September. The New Bern native performed Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”

Another special treat was a performance by Dana Lewis, a longtime favorite of Tar Heel audiences. She sang two powerful numbers, “Little Rock” and “Can’t Give Up Now.”

Next up at the theater is a bluegrass concert featuring Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road March 21. The spring and summer schedule of events also includes appearances by Elvis tribute artist Keith Henderson and Ronnie McDowell and The McDowell Band. In addition, shows starring local artists are planned in April and June.

For a complete listing of shows, visit www.tarheelvarietytheater.com. For ticket information, call 252-975-2117.Tar Heel Variety Theater is located at 485 Carrow Road, just off N.C. Highway 33 west of Chocowinity.