After weeks of competitive rounds, one Napa Valley teenager has won the title of Idol NV 2007.

An audience of more than 500 people turned out for the final round of Idol NV on Saturday night at the Napa Valley Opera House, where ten local teenagers battled for the title.

Saturday night’s crowd consisted of all ages and the competition’s judges included Susan Hammond, Bernhard Krevet and Sasha Paulsen, who rated the teens’ performances based on musical ability, presence, originality and style. Mayor Jill Techel served as emcee for the big event.

The ten contestants impressed the judges and delighted the audience with a wide range of singing styles, including opera, Broadway, jazz, contemporary and blues-inspired performances.

Devon Hadsell, winner of the title of Idol NV 2007, shed tears as she received flowers and a sash bearing the sought-after title. Hadsell’s prizes include $2,000 and a new laptop computer. As the winner of Idol NV, she will also perform at an upcoming Napa Valley Opera House event and at Grad Night 2007.

Second place went to Justin Diaz, who received $750, a $50 gift certificate for Mary’s Pizza Kitchen and an Aasics backpack and watch. Third place winner, Eric Quast, received $250, a $25 gift certificate for Jonesy’s Steak House and an Aasics backpack and sports watch.

Saturday evening’s opening performer was Megan Murray, who sang “Wild Horses” by Natasha Bedingfield. Murray, clad in blue jeans, black boots and a black camisole top, delivered a solid vocal performance. Judge Susan Hammond said she was pleased Murray performed the song a cappella. “You delivered it really well,” she said. Murray explained why she chose the song “Wild Horses.” “I was planning on a rock song ... but thought (“Wild Horses”) would be a nice change of pace.”

Monica Ali-Musa sang “I Have Nothing” by David Foster and Linda Thompson-Jenner. Wearing an elegant high-waisted burgundy gown and delivering an emotionally-charged performance, Ali-Musa got positive remarks from the judges. Judge Krevet said he was so captivated that he forgot to take notes during her performance. Judge Hammond commended Ali-Musa on her theatrical skills. “You know how to build up a climax and bring it down again,” she said.

Eric Quast exhibited slick dance moves and a playful, confident stage presence with “Save the Last Dance” by Doc Pomas and Mort Skuman. “You obviously touched the audience,” Krevet said, referring to the crowd’s booming response after his performance. When asked why he chose “Save the Last Dance,” Quast said since another energetic song he sang earlier in the competition got a good response, he chose another high-energy number for the final round.

Gina Austin brought a touch of opera to the competition with “Chi il bel sogno di Doretta” by Giacomo Puccini. With upswept hair and wearing a violet, floor-length gown, Austin told the audience that the song was about a woman who experienced an “amazing” kiss. Austin’s performance captivated the audience and Hammond commended her on her pitch. “Those are high notes,” she said. Judge Paulsen said, “I congratulate you on your choice (of song). It’s a bold move ... it was wonderful.” When asked why she chose “Chi il bel sogno di Doretta,” Austin said, “I’ve always loved Puccini ... and I decided to challenge myself.”

Alexzandra Owner sang “Mercy on Me” by Christina Aguilera; her smoldering voice made her a favorite with the audience. Owner hypnotized the crowd and judges with her dramatic performance and Krevet called her performance “perfectly done.” Owner said she hadn’t originally planned on singing “Mercy on Me.” “I saw Christina Aguilera in concert last week ... It was a very powerful song and I changed to it at the last minute.”

Next came Talia Trozzo, who sang “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man” by Jerome Kern. Trozzo wore a classic, royal blue gown and earned praise for her clear diction and her voice’s rich tone. “I loved the musical ‘Showboat’ and I love Ella Fitzgerald,” Trozzo said when asked about her song choice.

Chelsea Brock sang “Summertime” by George and Ira Gershwin and Dubose Heyward, earning praise from Hammond for her prowling, cat-like stage presence. Krevet congratulated Brock on her voice’s impressive range. “You took that song, such a classic, and put your mark on it,” Paulsen said.

Justin Diaz sang “Feelin’ Good” by Anthony Newley, delivering an enchanting, pitch-perfect performance. “You have a great range and you really know how to use a mike,” Hammond said. When asked why he chose “Feelin’ Good,” Diaz said, “It was age-appropriate and had a good vibe about it.”

Jessica Adlawan performed “Walk Away” by Christina Aguilera. Adlawan donned a sparkling black dress and delivered a sultry performance. Paulsen called Adlawan’s piece “spellbinding” and Hammond complimented Adlawan on her remarkable stage presence. Adlawan said she chose “Walk Away” because Christina Aguilera is one of her favorite performers, adding that she wanted the challenge of one of Aguilera’s more difficult songs.

Devon Hadsell, winner of the Idol NV title, sang “Misty” by Errol Garner. Hadsell, wearing a classic black gown and upswept hair, won thunderous applause from the audience and the highest marks from judges. “You have a tremendous stillness ... it draws us in. There’s a beautiful transparency to your voice,” Hammond said.

“I love the melody (of “Misty) ... I really enjoyed singing the song,” Hadsell said.

And it showed.