
Raymond Gomez performed “Cielo Rojo” a cappella in the preliminaries of the contest in Morenci, Arizona, and was one of two performers that night to advance to the finals.
There are 21 finalists in all in the Gila Valley Idol, a regional contest fashioned after American Idol.
Gomez is 16 years old and a sophomore at Deming High.
A popular local performer, Gomez recorded his first CD at age 12.
He performs with the Deming High mariachi, a local group and a professional group from Las Cruces. He also is a solo artist.
The final competition will begin at 7 p.m. this Thursday at the Safford Center for the Arts in Safford.
Cash and other prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place Gila Valley Idol winners.
The winners also may be invited to perform at other events sponsored by McMurray Communications throughout the year.