Cariboo Idol has featured some awesome artists over the years, and organizers are hoping to hear more when auditions start next month at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre in 100 Mile House.
The vocal talent contest is open to singers of all ages from the Cariboo-Chilcotin. It was missed last year, so organizer Rob Fry says he’s expecting a good turnout.
As in the past, the top 10 contestants are featured at a number of future community events.
“When I ask [contestants] why they want to be a Cariboo Idol, it’s because they want to get in front of people and sing,” explains Fry, who’s also one of the judges.
“There are a lot of good musicians, singers and song writers, but they don’t get the opportunity to get out and perform. This gives them a lot of different venues to come along and perform in front of a crowd.”
Auditions go nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. May 1-4.
Contestants are encouraged to attend the first audition on May 1, for which there’s a $10 fee. Those 18 years old and younger require a parent or guardian to sign a release form.
The Cariboo Idol kickoff show is slated for the Cariboo Women’s Fair in 100 Mile House, May 9-10.
“It’s all about community pride and spirit,” Fry says.
He adds Cariboo Idol is more of a “program” than a contest, but in the end, there are awards for the top 3 performers and a “people’s choice” award winner.
Past winners include John Robert Goodwin of Quesnel, and Lac la Hache singer-songwriter Candace Copley.
Copley encourages young performers to sign up.
“I had a lot of fun when I entered the Cariboo Idol,” she says.
“It gave me a ton of exposure and experience and I now use it on my musician ‘resume’. I also met all these other musical people and developed friendships with them.”
For more information, visit the Cariboo Idol Facebook page.
