K.J. Olsen has $1,000 to add to his college fund thanks to the Xpress Singers' Talent Search. Well, maybe a little less than that after the 17-year-old buys the ice cream he promised for the other three finalists.

Olsen, who sang "Broken Vow" by Josh Groban in Saturday's two concerts, aspires to attend the University of Montana to study music education.

Those who attended the afternoon and night-time performances of "Thank You for the Music," presented by the Acapella Jubilee Xpress Chorus, voted for their pick of the four finalists with their ticket stubs.

The competition part of the concert was a takeoff on the popular show "American Idol," com-plete with Roger Morton as "Brian Secrest," the Xpress Singers' version of the hit show's host, Ryan Seacrest.

When Olsen's name was announced as the winner, his jaw dropped nearly to the ground.

"I was pretty shocked," he said after getting a chance to catch his breath.

Olsen said he didn't think he had an advantage going into Saturday night's competition, which was the culmination of the contest that started with a preliminary round in July.

"I feel really good," the Capital High School senior said with a grin almost as large as the oversized check in his arms from Mountain West Bank.

Olsen said, besides winning, the best part of the competition was working with the other con-testants, who all received $200 for their efforts.

"I had a blast. I enjoyed it a lot," Olsen said.

The foursome visited and played card games together between rehearsals and performances. They all exchanged phone numbers so they can meet up later so Olsen can pony up for the ice cream.

Brittany Goltry, 17, who performed Mariah Carey's "Hero," said the four finalists really bonded and were not competitive as one would expect.

Mary Rose Raymond, 17, said she was shocked to hear about the contest because it's some-thing different.

"Nothing like this usually happens in Montana," Goltry, who sang Carrie Underwood's "We're Young and Beautiful," said before taking the stage. The competition was open to 15- to 21-year-old singers.

Jana Barros performed "Astonishing" from "Little Women." Barros, also 17, said the contest was a good way to meet people, especially the Xpress Singers.

Show organizer Shelly Pardis said the group is excited to support and encourage the musical talent of Helena's youth.

"The contest has been extremely successful and we hope the success spurs interest among the Xpress Singers to consider a similar competition in the future," she said.

Reporter Angela Brandt: 447-4078 or angela.brandt@helenair.com