The 2011 South Cariboo Idols top 10 finalists have been chosen, and if their first performance at the recent Beatles tribute concert in 100 Mile House is any indication, competition is going to be tight.
Auditions for the contest began on May 18 with 28 hopeful singers, and after day 1, the field was narrowed to 17.
Following some hard decision-making by the panel of judges, the top 10 were announced.
Making the final cut are Catie Smith, Kaitlyn Peterson, Alyssa Lindberg, Vanessa Rhynolds, Miranda Pettitt, Britta Westerager, Renee Wilkinson, who was the 2008 Idol contest winner, Alicia Williamson, Niki Watson and Josslyn Ryan, the 2010 people’s choice award winner.
“They are the strongest group yet,” says Rob Fry, creator of South Cariboo Idols.
He adds everyone who entered could sing quite well and when cuts had to be made, it came down to who was most prepared.
Several of the hopefuls were familiar faces who return year after year to audition, says Fry.
“They’ve been working and getting better and better all the time.”
Jillian Thomson, a talented 11-year-old who has tried out three years in a row is what Fry calls his 11th Idol. He appreciates her persistence and plans to work with her on the side.
This year’s group of finalists is all female and the majority range in age from 15 to 20. From now until September, they will be performing at various functions in the South Cariboo, gaining confidence, experience and the favour of judges who will be watching them all along the way.
At the end of it all, a top 3 will be announced and awarded significant cash prizes. Meanwhile, Fry will work with each of them in his recording studio, teaching them the ropes of recording, and putting their music on YouTube.
On June 11, the Idols will all perform twice at Relay for Life in 100 Mile House. Fry says people can book the Idols to play at their events in return for sponsorship money. The cash will be used for the season-end prizes and any leftover money will go to South Cariboo Community Concerts for hosting entertainment events.
Updates on the Idols 2011 season can be found on the Internet at www.southcaribooidol.com and on Facebook. Check out YouTube to see and hear the idols perform.
