Sometimes things seem to conspire to thwart the best of plans. That happened Friday night as Pilgrim senior staged the 2017-18 Pilgrim Idol competition, a major fundraiser for the school’s annual After Prom Extravaganza. Traffic delayed the arrival of Bekah Berger of Hot 106, who with Pilgrim alum Matt Morris and one of the school’s most vocal advocate, Rick Cascella served as judges for the event. As the audience lingered co-masters of ceremonies Pilgrim seniors Dylan Bowden and Amanda Gelinas entertained their peers with Christmas carols and jokes. It wasn’t what they had planned, but then that’s the way it worked out. When Bekah arrived it looked like the show would go on. Wrong. Bowden took the microphone to sing Barbra Streisand’s “People.” While the mic worked, music for the performance was nonexistent. Bowden deftly managed the situation as Assistant Principal Pam Bernardi, coordinator of Pilgrim Idol rushed to resolve the problem. She had the music up and running in five minutes. On average, Bernadi said, Pilgrim Idol raises $1,200 for the post senior prom event held at the school until the following morning when raffle prizes are awarded and breakfast served. The extravaganza that goes by the acronym APE includes lots of food donated by area restaurants, music, games and contests. Bernardi said traditionally 95 percent of the senior class participates. Participants are not allowed to return to the event once they leave, thereby missing out on the prizes at the end of the program. In addition to Pilgrim Idol, Bernardi said the senior stage Pilgrim’s Got Talent show in March as a fund raiser. Even with all the contributions from area businesses, Bernardi said staging APE costs about $8,000. Pilgrim Idol performers included Carina Bidon, Kimberlee Mallett, Grace Pine, Kenny Martin, Giana Amaral, Andrew Johnson, Richard Kennedy, Alexia Ritchie, Tayvon Pimental, Crystal Burgos, Aimee Sholl, James Choiniere, Chantel VanHeyningen and Jake Castaldi in addition to Bowden and Gelkinas. Gelinas was named Pilgrim Idol and Jake Castaldi was the runner-up. Kenny Martin received an honorable mention.