Congratulations to Columbia High School sophomore Emma Leyhane, who won the 2025 Columbia Idol singing competition last week! She was one of ten students who performed in the school auditorium. This year’s hosts were Chamber Singers Co-Presidents Holly Thorpe and Mary Weinheimer, and the judges included Columbia graduates Andrea Lubbers and Brooke Leavitt, and John Ryan.

Ms. Leyhane performed “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell and “Alright, Okay, You Win” by Peggy Lee.

Thank you to all of our performers and judges for helping to make this event possible!

2025 Columbia Idol Judges, Winner, and Hosts
From left to right: Judges Andrea Lubbers, Brooke Leavitt, and John Ryan; Columbia Idol winner Emma Leyhane; Columbia music teacher Shellie Badger; and hosts Holly Thorpe and Mary Weinheimer.

2025 Columbia Idol Contestants