NORWICH – Vocalist Jessica Sheldon, known by many as the lead singer for local soul-rock ensemble Thistle Dew, will have the opportunity to compete for $2,500 Wednesday evening as she prepares to perform in the final round of the 2010 Central New York Radio Group Ultimate Idol Competition.

A long-time area resident, and Norwich High School graduate, Sheldon has been singing, acting, dancing and performing in general since she was a young child, so it should come as no surprise the talented vocalist now holds a spot in the top 11 of the competition, to be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta.

Sheldon, who had previously made it into the top 20 in the 2008 Ultimate Idol, said she has gained “a lot more experience performing with the band in the last two years,” and decided it was “worth another shot” when the competition rolled around this year.

Rounds one through three of the 2010 Ultimate Idol found Sheldon performing a variety of musical selections including the Kris Kristofferson-penned “Me and Bobby Mcgee,” made famous by singer Janis Joplin in 1971, Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” and “If I Ain’t Got You,” Alicia Keys’ Grammy award winning ballad.