MITCHELL — Josie Martin of Bedford claimed the Adult Division title in this year’s WQRK and LiteFM Persimmon Idol competition, earning the $500 cash prize.

When asked how she plans to use her winnings, Josie shared that part will go toward expenses from a recent relocation, while the rest will be devoted to her five-year-old corgi, who struggles with separation anxiety.

Josie wowed the audience with her original song “Gingivitis,” which she both wrote and produced while accompanying herself on the ukulele — an instrument she taught herself to play. She penned the upbeat tune in mid-2024 as a way to channel her own battles with depression and anxiety.

“I wanted it to feel hopeful to others,” Josie said of the inspiration behind her winning performance.

No stranger to songwriting,

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