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Highlands Today

Heartland Idol Gets Ready For Year 5

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By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: August 18, 2008

SEBRING - Heartland Idol organizer Dina Walker is expecting the fifth annual singing competition to be bigger and better.

The 10-week series starts Sept. 4, with the finals set for Nov. 8. Shows start at 6 p.m. Thursday nights in the downtown Circle

Walker is back in control of the event after the Sebring Chamber of Commerce bowed out as a sponsor.

The competition starts a month later than usual. Walker said on Thursday that the extra time to organize was well used. She continues to be excited at the interest the annual event draws.

"It amazes me just how many people set up their chairs at 11 a.m. in the morning for the final round," said Walker. "I like to see it when some of the contestants who didn't make it previously say they took the judges' advice and say they're coming back."

This year, Idol organizers are partnering with "Keep Highlands County Beautiful," and the contest is going green. Recycling containers will be available for soda and water drinkers.

Each of the 10 shows will feature a "Tip to Make Your Life a Little Bit Greener."

The first tip will urge local music lovers to save energy and thus save money.

The event will become nearly paperless. Contestants are asked to register online at www.heartlandidol.com

The expanded Web site will feature blogs, a sponsor's page and announcements concerning possible postponements. The audience will also be able to post photos of their favorite singers.

There will be giveaways, a cash 50/50 drawing and several new food options, with possibly nachos and chili dogs.

Four of five judges will include Rooter Rush, Melanie Boulay of Highlands Little Theatre, Vicki Jones of the News-Sun and Jim McCollum of Highlands Little Theatre.

Three categories of competitors are the following: Adults (18 and over); teens (13-17); and juniors (12 and under.)

All singers will perform without music, or acapella, for the early rounds, for up to 90 seconds. For the adults, theme performances range from Motown music, "The year you were born" music and Bee Gees hits.

Bathrooms at the downtown chamber office on the Circle will be open to the public and for competitors to change costumes.

The prize for first place in the adult competition is $2,000, with $1,000 for second place. The third-place winner will get $1,000 while the fourth-place place winner will get $200. The fifth-place place winner will collect $100.

Junior and Teen Idol prizes range from $50 for first place to $25 for fifth.

Bill Rettew Jr. can be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

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