Shawn Speller wants to go to Disneyland! Or is that just what you're supposed to say if you win a big prize?

He's an Oneonta resident who has been singing since he was 11 years old in school and church choirs.

"I've also been in a few musicals," Speller points out. "I was never really in the spotlight, but I definitely enjoyed lending my voice to all those opportunities."

He grew up listening to legendary artists like Marvin Gaye and Patti Labelle. He also enjoys Ne-Yo, R. Kelly and Beyone. Music has been a part of his life, and his family's life, as long as he can remember.

"I was raised in a family where music was what brought us together and still does to this day," he said. "My mother used to sing to us a lot as well."

The 26-year-old entered Five Star Subaru Presents Ultimate Idol nervous, unsure if he had the talent to get to the finale much less win. But his nerves subsided almost as soon as he stepped onto the Ultimate Idol stage.

"My nerves were getting to me so much that day," he said. "Once the performance was over, I felt a sense of accomplishment and warmth from the audience and the reception was surreal."

Now into the final and having three solo performances completed, Speller looks at the competition and his efforts as a complete package. He enjoys singing and the showmanship required to get the crowd into his song.

"I become another person," he said. "Sometimes when I sing, I get stressed out when I may think that I didn't deliver certain notes the right way. But in the end, if the audience didn't notice, the show must go on!"

Check out his past performances:

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