When Leslie Barton took to the stage Sunday in Millersville University's Lyte Auditorium, she really took the stage, commandeering it with the confidence of an old pro.

The 21-year-old MU junior looked relaxed and moved easily as she belted out Faith Hill's "When the Lights Go Down" — a powerful performance that won her the top prize during the student portion of MU's " 'Ville Idol" competition Sunday.

Jason Genise-Gdula, 25, was awarded first place in the alumni division of the contest. He and Barton each received $1,000.

A 2005 MU graduate, Genise-Gdula gave an energetic performance of KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," which earned high marks from the judges.

"Just wonderful. You really do have a great talent," Raymond Antonelli, a longtime local director and choreographer, said.

Genise-Gdula, a long-term substitute teacher in the Hempfield School District, said he entered the competition simply because he loves to sing.

"I just thought it would be a fun thing to do," he said after the show. "I enjoy singing, and, win or lose, I thought it would be a good time."

Genise-Gdula said he enjoys teaching and never thought about music as a profession.

"Maybe I should consider it," he said jokingly. "Maybe I'm better than I thought I was."

Barton, on the other hand, has her sights firmly set on a music career.

"It's what I've always wanted," said the marketing major, who admitted her current course of study is a "backup plan."

An aspiring songwriter, Barton said her dream is to perform her own pieces, which she described as "pop and country with a little bit of soul thrown in."

Barton was the runner-up in the contest last year and has auditioned for FOX television's "American Idol" several times. Last month, she sang the national anthem before a Philadelphia Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field.

On Sunday, Antonelli told her she's "a star in the making. I really think you're on your way."

Also judging the contest were WARM-FM 103.3 radio personality Kelly West, MU music instructor Deb Lenssen and accomplished vocalist and director Ric Zimmerman.

Modeled after "American Idol," in which viewers participate in the judging process, " 'Ville Idol" offered audience members the chance to vote for their favorites.

Runners-up were Rose Hughes in the student division and Adrienne Howe in the alumni division. They received $250 apiece.

Each of the 11 finalists sang two songs — the first, on which they were judged, and then a judges' choice number.

Finalists were chosen from a group of 60 contestants who began the process in September.

Other finalists performing Sunday were Gregory Dietz, Seth Eck, Kristen Keech, Lindy Keefe, John Scargall, Matthew Simkins and Abraham Breslin.

E-mail: jtodd@lnpnews.com