It had the makings of the popular TV show “American Idol.”

Anxious singers doing their best to win over their audience. A panel of judges critiquing the performances. Audience members casting ballots for their favorite vocalist.

For 10 Bedford High School students, the “Bedford Idol” contest, held Saturday, April 18, in the school’s theater, gave them the opportunity to showcase their singing talent.

“It’s great just to show how much talent Bedford High School has,” student Mackenzie Robert, one of the show’s co-emcees, told the audience.

The contestants gave individual performances accompanied with music.

During the first round, each one was provided with feedback from three judges: Richard Maynard, the former choral director at Manchester West High School; musician Kathleen O’Boyle; and Greg McKenzie, the band director at Ross A. Lurgio Middle School.

The panel complimented each singer and also provided suggestions for improvement. Some singers were encouraged to use more expression and engage the audience more. A couple of vocalists were encouraged to improve their pitch. One singer was urged to get closer to the microphone. Three singers were then selected by the judges to each sing a new song in the second and final round: freshmen Rachel Liff and Aileen Lambert, and junior Chelsea Haynes.

After their performances, the audience also had a vote and Haynes emerged as the winner. She had drawn enthusiastic response to her performance of “Out Here On My Own” during the second round and “When A Man Loves A Woman” earlier in the show.

Capturing the top honor, she said after the show, was a pleasant surprise.

“Aileen and Rachel, they’re very good singers,” said Haynes, 17. “They have wonderful voices.”

Singing is an important part of her life. Haynes, who participates in musical theater and in her parents’ band, would like to attend the University of New Hampshire or Plymouth State University to study music. She’s thinking of becoming a music teacher and performing on the side.

This is the second year Bedford High has held an “Idol” contest. This year’s event, hosted by the music department, drew about 180 people and generated a profit of roughly $600, according to music teacher Jim Butka. The top three vocalists each received a trophy. Haynes also won a $30 gift certificate to Ted Herbert’s Music & Art Center in Manchester.

“It’s very impressive,” said resident Barbara Garry, who came to see the show. “There’s always so much talent at the high school. It’s fun to see the kids. You have to be very brave to get up there and sing like that.”

For junior Alexa Pervanas, 16, the contest prize wasn’t what drew here to participate. What mattered, she said before the show, was the opportunity for her and the other contestants to demonstrate what they could do on stage.

“I really love singing and performing,” said Pervanas who sang “There Are Worse Things I Can Do” from the musical, “Grease.” “This is a great opportunity to showcase everyone’s talent and it’s important to improve my own skills. The prize isn’t what really matters to me.”