Dustin Ellis Wins 2025 St. Croix Idol
Jayna Smith
The stage at Flat Iron Park in downtown Calais has been sizzling all summer, and this past Monday evening, Aug. 4, it all came to a head with the grand finale of the five-week St. Croix Idol competition.
Held first on July 7 and continuing as part of the kickoff to International Homecoming Festival week, the final showdown drew the largest crowd yet, with families, friends, and music lovers — an estimated 500 people in total — gathering to support the talented performers who made it through weeks of competition.
When the final votes were tallied, it was Dustin Ellis, of Calais, who took home the title of 2025 St. Croix Idol. Along with a prize package consisting of $5,000 cash, Ellis won a coveted performance slot on the festival’s main stage just before the fireworks show on Saturday, August 9 — a spotlight moment in front of the year’s biggest crowd. As well, his prize package included a free night’s stay at Todd’s Point Luxury Inn and Suites in St. Stephen.
Ellis will be joined on the stage Saturday night by second-place winner Regan Moore, of Pleasant Point, and third-place winner Rebecca Curtis, of Perry. Moore was awarded a $1,250 cash prize, while Curtis was awarded a $500 cash prize.
Claiming the fourth-place spot was Abby Wright, of St. Stephen, who won a three-month membership to Calais Memorial Fitness Center and a $40 gift certificate to Crumbs.
Fifth place was Cutcher Owen, of Perry, who was awarded a $50 gift certificate donated by St. Croix Country Club.
The competition, organized by festival committee member Andrea Walton, was created as a fun and engaging way to showcase local talent from both sides of the St. Croix River. Week after week, contestants impressed both judges and audiences with their range, creativity, and stage presence.
Judges Bill Quinn, Trey Worrell, Brett Estey, and Stacey LaBlanc, joined each week by a rotating guest judge, used a consistent rubric to evaluate performances based on vocal quality, song selection, technical ability, performance, and originality.
With emcee Bruce Butler bringing energy and enthusiasm to every show, the competition has become a highlight of the summer, drawing larger and more enthusiastic crowds each Monday night.
To see clips from the final performances, visit the International Homecoming Festival page on Facebook. Don’t miss the main stage performance this Saturday, before the start of the fireworks display.
