Jarman is 3rd finalist in songfest

RISING STAR: Jamie Horner-Jarman, 22, competes in the final round of Operation Rising Star.

Jamie Horner-Jarman won third place and $500 during the finale Saturday, Nov. 21, of Operation Rising Star, the American Idol-style military singing competition.

Jarman sang Aerosmith's "Cryin'" and Gladys Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia" on Thursday's final show before the reveal of the winners. Jarman performed "Cryin" in true rocker fashion dressed in a tight tattoo print dress and black boots. Flames were displayed behind the live band as Jarman rocked out on stage.

Celebrity and American Idol finalist Kimberley Caldwell was a judge at Thursday show and praised Jarman for her performance. "I thought you nailed it. You're amazing!" said Caldwell.

For her second song Jarman slowed down Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia" with the piano in the back and made it a ballad. It was Jarman's most soulful and original performance on the show.

You are a soul sister!" Caldwell said after Jarman belted out the ballad.

"I think that it was her best performance. You really got to see Jamie at her best and most original tonight. I cried it was so beautiful," said Richard Horner, Jamie's father.

After Thursday's show Jarman stayed on stage and at the front of the auditorium to sign autographs and take photos with fans."

Lisa Pratt, a military spouse from Colorado, took first. Second place went to Captain Donald Williamson, an Army Chaplain from Germany.

"My whole family is rooting for you. I love your voice. You're doing a great job for all USAF military brats around the world. I want to sing just like you," Michelle, 10, commented on Jarman's page on the Operation Rising Star Web site.

Many fans from Anderson and Redding left words of encouragement for Jarman as she headed into Saturday's finale.

"J.J., you're doing an amazing job! We are all so proud of you. Keep up the good work. I can't wait to hear you tonight. LOVE YOUR VOICE!" students and faculty from Anderson Middle School commented.

"Jaime, great performances. I told you a long time ago you could do it," said Randy French, a teacher at Anderson Union High School.

More than 170,000 people from 50 countries voted for the three finalists after Thursday's show and over 2 million people visited the Web site during the competition. Jarman smiled when the host announced that she had won third place.

"I would have liked to win. But, I am grateful and very happy to have made it this far. I think the best part of this is that so many people watched and voted. Especially all of the people who watched and voted from back home. Thank you," said Jarman.

"I was surprised that she was third. But I think that this competition had some great talent. I felt Jamie did very well and I think her rendition of "Midnight Train to Georgia" was the best performance in the competition," said Richard Horner, Jamie's father.

Jarman ended the show by singing "A Letter Home" by Gina Gonzales. She looked comfortable without any pressure from the competition and showed a lot of emotion singing the military song.

"It felt great to sing that song. I am a soldier and I am proud to be in the Air Force. I was able to relax and have fun," she said.