Following the phenomenal success of the United Way of Aroostook’s “Aroostook Idol” competition for the past four years, and numerous requests to the organization to continue the event in the coming year, UWA officials have announced plans to conduct its fifth extensive county-wide search to find the top vocalist in northern Maine. And there are exciting new changes planned for the production, namely the return of some familiar faces who will fill different roles.
“One of the many things that makes our show different and unique from the American Idol show is the great mix of singers we attract….”
Organizers are putting the call out for talent and looking ahead to the coming regional competitions that will begin earlier in the New Year than in any of the four previous seasons. The first show is planned for southern Aroostook at the Houlton High School Auditorium on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. Productions will be held the following two Fridays – on Feb. 6 in the St. John Valley at 7 p.m. in the Fox Auditorium at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Presque Isle Middle School Auditorium.
Applications for interested participants considering competing in their local regional show are now available at all Aroostook County Key Bank branches and on the United Way of Aroostook Web site at www.unitedwayaroostook.org.
contributed photo
Aroostook Idol past winners in front, from left, Annie Charles (2007), Renee Cavagnaro (2005) and in back Samantha Boutot (2006), will serve as judges for the fifth season of Aroostook Idol which gets under way on January 30. Erin Buck will perform at each regional venue in Houlton (Jan. 30), Fort Kent (Feb. 6) and Presque Isle (Feb. 13). Contestants are now being sought for the 2009 title.
“The most important factor that leads to the success of the ‘Idol’ project is the involvement of singers from throughout the County. We are really hoping to get a good number of participants involved in all three of our stage shows. The only stipulation for an individual to participate is that they must be at least 12 years of age by Jan. 30,” said Claudia Stevens, executive director of the United Way of Aroostook.
Among the changes to the coming Aroostook Idol season is the lowered age requirement for participation from 13 to 12 years old.
“We have had great success attracting people of all ages to participate in Idol. Each year we have turned away possible entrants who have not yet turned 13, but have interest in competing,” said Stevens. “One of the many things that makes our show different and unique from the American Idol show is the great mix of singers we attract. We have contestants who compete who are in their 70s, and now will include 12-year-olds. In addition, we guarantee the audience a great mix of music with everything from rock and pop to country and Christian music, with the occasional rap. The show truly showcases the diversity of music and vocal talent in the County.”
According to Stevens a successful Aroostook Idol Reunion Show held this past October at the Caribou Performing Arts Center that brought together some of the top performers from the past with the four Aroostook Idol winners, prompted organizers to change things around a bit and turn to the past winners to help pick the coming season’s singing star.
“Our past Idols will be back, but this time in a different role. They will serve as the judges and provide commentary after each singer performs. The audience will still get to decide who moves on with their vote, and can take or leave the advice of the judges, but we figured who better to comment on the performance of our contestants than those who know all too well what it is like to be in their shoes,” said Stevens.
Aroostook Idol winners, Renee Cavagnaro (2005) of Caribou, Samantha Boutot (2006) of Fort Kent, Annie Charles (2007) of Limestone will serve as this year’s Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.Current Idol Erin Buck of Caribou will participate in each production, providing musical entertainment while audience votes are tabulated.
Last year’s Aroostook Idol, which raised more than $28,000 for United Way supported agencies throughout the County and substance abuse awareness initiatives, drew large crowds at all regional venues in Houlton, Presque Isle and Fort Kent, as well as a Caribou Performing Arts Center finale. More than 40 contestants signed up to compete in the region-wide contest.
Erin Buck of Caribou was ultimately voted the top performer in the 2008 competition. It was Buck’s third year participating in the contest.
“We welcome back participants who have competed in year’s past. As Erin can attest, sometimes the third time is a charm. Actually, some of our contestants take the advice of our judges and return to the competition and are very successful. Both second season winner Samantha Boutot and Erin Buck came back and won it all,” said Stevens.
The three upcoming stage shows will determine three finalists for each region, who will then participate, along with the top contestants in the other two areas, in a final production that will be held in early March at the Caribou Performing Arts Center to determine the 2009 “Aroostook Idol”.
Admission to each regional production will be $8 and admission to the finale will be $10. All proceeds from funds raised at the door will go directly to the United Way of Aroostook’s annual campaign.
For show production purposes only a limited number of contestants will be allowed to compete at each regional show. Preference will be given on a first come, first served basis.
For more information on the “Aroostook Idol” competition, contact the United Way of Aroostook at (207) 764-5197.
