Idol Finals Set For Today

This year's Heartland Idol competition will last just one more exciting night.

A first-place winner from a field of eight finalists will be picked today at the Circle.

The festivities begin at 3 p.m., with the singers taking the stage at 6 p.m.

During the first round, singers will sing patriotic songs to honor Veterans Day. The five finalists chosen from the eight will then sing a song of their choice.

The winner will take home a check for $2,000, with $1,000 going to the second-place finisher, $500 for third place, $250 for fourth and $100 for fifth place.

Emcee Don Elwell warned contestants that Saturday's show is the perfect time to show off everything they've learned up to now.

"In this show, every point is so important," said Elwell. "Losing two points could easily cost somebody up to $1,000 or more."

Food concessions will open at 1 p.m. From 3 to 5 p.m., a bounce house will open for kids. Prior Idol performers will sing from 3 to 4 p.m.

Visitors will learn green tips and trivia from 3 to 4 p.m., along with High Tech Home Bingo, a trivia game.

From 4 to 5 p.m., an Oreo cookie eating contest, and the Beef O' Brady's Nuclear Wing Eating Contest Challenge, will make non-singers prize winners.

From 5 to 6 p.m., patriotic music will fill the Circle. Starting at 6 p.m., the Idol show will be broadcast live on Lite105.7 FM.

Saturday, Nancy Trautman will be a celebrity judge and David Flowers will also get a chance to help choose the $2,000-prize winner.

Everyone involved - judges, contestants and the audience -is invited to "Meet the Idol People," an Idol wrap-up party, starting from a half hour to a hour after the show ends, at Sunset Grille.

Founder and judge Diana Walker said she'll miss Idol until the sixth season starts year.

"It's kind of bittersweet that it's over, but it exciting. We're going to see who the winner is," said Walker.

The Heartland Idol founder talked about the contestants.

"Every year, more unique people come out with different qualities," said Walker. "It would be nice if somebody makes it to 'American Idol', or is on TV wearing a Heartland Idol T-shirt."