Top five Idol singer has local ties

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - American Idol has just 5 contestants remaining.

What many people may not realize is that someone from the Wabash Valley has had a big impact on one of those remaining contestants.

It takes a special voice to make it on American idol. It takes an even better singing ability to make it into the top 5.

Skylar Laine has that ability..

"She's very talented," said Winona Costello. "She has a beautiful natural sound to her voice, and you just knew."

Skylar grew up in Brandon, Mississippi. But it wasn't until 6th grade, playing the role of Annie in a school play, that she came across someone who would have an incredible impact on her singing career.

That person is Winona.

"She has a great work ethic," said Winona. "She always comes to prepared. She was always prepared. That's a teacher's dream."

For the past six years, Winona's been Skylar's singing coach. She's been giving Skylar weekly voice lessons.

Growing up right here in the Wabash Valley, graduating from Rockville High School and Indiana State University, it's an impact Winona never thought she's have.

"I consider it a blessing that I've had just a small part in her life of 18 years to help her get where she wanted to go."

A part that could lead Skylar all the way to number one.

"I think she can win it all. I think she has the ability. I think she's by far the best performer out of the five, and she puts the package together," said Winona.

A great honor, and something that every teacher dreams of for their student.