Gainesville teen wins Southside Idol

Henderson beats sister to take top honors at singing competition.

Amari Henderson, a 17-year-old Santa Fe College Academy of Science and Technology student, won the Southside Idol competition Saturday. (COURTESY BRITTANIE DEANNA PHOTOGRAPHY)
Amari Henderson, a 17-year-old Santa Fe College Academy of Science and Technology student, won the Southside Idol competition Saturday. (COURTESY BRITTANIE DEANNA PHOTOGRAPHY)

A 17-year-old student from Gainesville showed her vocal prowess Saturday to defeat 10 other contestants, including her sister, and claim the 2026 Southside Idol title.

Amari Henderson, a student who at…