Convicts thrill to melodies of freedom

BAD Luck, Free Like the Wind, and Waltz of the Prisoner were top crowd pleasers as convicts faced off at a prison in Lima to sing in the Peruvian underworld’s version of the popular TV show American Idol.

Augusto Flores won first prize for a song he wrote called Your Visit, about waiting for news from his family and friends.

He won a guitar, a trophy and a pair of shoes. Winners of American Idol competitions, which gives ordinary people a chance at stardom, win recording contracts and global fame.