Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series of features previewing contestants in the upcoming Milledgeville Idol competition, slated for Friday at 7 p.m. Today, Brenda Tollison and Chay Aycock take the time to share their backgrounds with readers.

Brenda Tollison started singing as a little girl in church. She turned that childhood activity into a lifelong desire to express herself through music.

“My father was a veteran, so I grew up very patriotic,” Tollison said. “I love to sing the national anthem.”

Tollison, who will be among those competing Friday night in the inaugural Milledgeville Idol competition, counts singers Celine Dion and Martina McBride among her favorites. She hopes that her wide-ranging musical interests will serve her well.

“I like gospel, patriotic, easy listening, light rock and country — really all types of music,” Tollison said, “everything but opera.”

Tollison encouraged son Tristan, another Milledgeville Idol contestant, to go out for the competition and wound up a finalist as well.

“I never dreamed in a million years I would be a contestant,” she said.

Tollison lives in Milledgeville and is an employee at a pharmacy in Sparta. If she is named Milledgeville Idol, she says she will continue to invest in her greatest asset — her family.

“I pray and kind of let things fall where they go,” she said. “I try to find God’s leading. I am here for my family, and would apply any winnings where it is needed most. I’m blessed with my family, and I am rich in love from friends and family.”

Tollison hopes the show goes well, and that the other performers are at the top of their games.

“I’m praying for all the other contestants and hope they do well. I hope everybody really enjoys it and has a good time,” Tollison said.

Chay Aycock is, 17, is no stranger to Milledgeville stages. For the past five years, she has worked to further her music interests.

She first sang at church and at school under the tutelage of Charlotte Bearden, who she credits with getting her started while a member of the school chorus.

Aycock says her biggest musical influence is Faith Hill.