NATCHEZ &045;&045; Deidra Allen signed her first autograph Friday night.

But it may not be her last.

Allen is on her way to New Orleans for this year’s &uot;American Idol&uot; tryouts courtesy of Natchez Idol.

Allen, 24, from Alexandria, La., was the overall winner of the first ever Natchez Idol competition. She beat out Natchez native Kimberly Washington, 20, who was the highest point-getter in open auditions two weeks ago.

&uot;It was very exciting,&uot; Allen said. &uot;It was a good competition and a big challenge for me. I think I have a 50/50 shot in New Orleans.&uot;

Allen will receive free travel and accommodations for the first round of &uot;American Idol&uot; tryouts.

Washington, who finished second, said she still plans to audition for the show.

&uot;Whatever happens here it doesn’t stop here,&uot; Washington said to the screaming crowd.

More than 300 people turned out for the finale at Main Street Market Place to hear 11 contestants sing. Judges narrowed the field to three, Allen, Washington and Sabrina Griffith, 18, from Bogue Chitto.

Allen was chosen on an audience vote. Judges dispersed through the crowd to determine which contestant received the loudest cheers.

Dalaree Free, 17, from Vicksburg, was the youngest contestant of the night and even though she didn’t make the Top 3, she said she’d learned a lot.

&uot;I’ve never done anything this big before,&uot; Free said. &uot;I’ve never had the guts to get on stage like this. I can’t believe I did it, but now I know I can go home and get up anywhere and sing.&uot;

The 11 contestants sang a song of their choice to music. The Top 3 sang a second song, and Allen sang an encore song.