published: Friday, January 27, 2012

Heartland Idol opens Saturday

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

SEBRING -- With a new format and a new venue, Heartland Idol will get started Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. at the Highlands County Convention Center.

Idol founder Diana Walker has set the stage for a totally new format that she hopes the community will still enjoy.

In Saturday's preliminary round ,Idol contestants will sing their hearts out for a chance to advance to the second and final day of Idol during the 75th annual Highlands County Fair.

Many familiar faces will be a part of the "new" event including emcee duo, Don Elwell and David Flowers.

This year's judging team also brings back familiar faces Vickie Jones, an ad executive for the News-Sun, and Larry Moore, performing arts instructor.

The newest additions to the judges table will be Highlands County Fair Association President George White alongside 2010 Heartland Idol winner Shannon Reed and Melanie Boulay of the Highlands Little Theater.

The preliminary round will consist of 20 contestants signing in their prospective age category: Heartland Idol Junior for ages 12 and under, Heartland Idol Teen for ages 13-17, and Heartland Idol for ages 18 and up. The adult Idol contests will perform a capella during the qualifying round.

"We will take applications until 10:45 (a.m.) the day of the show. I know initially we had said that it would be completely pre-registration but we are going to take applications the day of," Walker said.

Walker would not share the total number of applicants already signed up for their slots in the show, however she did state that one of the categories still has space for contestants.

Though ample planning and thought has gone into the revamped event, Walker admits to being anxious about this year's show.

"I've been walking around trying to get things done and there isn't anything to do. Everyone has been on top of it and taken care of everything. I'm just really anxious. Everyone is anxious," said Walker.

Walker is confident moving the show from outdoors on the Circle to indoors at the convention center won't harm Idol.

"We were worried about that at first (the new format, venue) but people seem to be okay with it. The fans enjoy the show and I think they will follow us. They will go anywhere we go because they enjoy it and look forward to it," Walker said.

"I happen to run into a group of people who always sit in the front row at Idol the other day. That same group always sits up front and they were saying how excited they were about it."

Other changes to the show include new sponsors, many of which are sponsors of the convention center. Walker stated that many of the show's sponsors this year are "not our normal sponsors bur the convention center's."

The most notable change, besides the format, will be the stage.

"They will have a bigger stage than they are used to with previous shows. The layout of this stage will be different than the second show but the stage is three times the size as before. It will be interesting," Walker said.

The convention center will provide ample space for not only the contestants but the audience as well.

"We won't have Idol Cafe but there will be other vendors on site," said Walker.

Charles Butcher of Loafin' Around Cafe confirmed that the shop will be one of the vendors. The Sno Ball Factory also has confirmed with Walker that they will be present as well as a Relay for Life team. Sandwiches, wraps, nachos, hot dogs, and numerous other items will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Walker estimates the event should wrap up between 4 and 5 p.m. Saturday so audience members should look forward to a full day of songs and entertainment.

Applications can be turned in or picked up at the Highlands County Convention Center located at 781 Magnolia Drive between 8 and 4 p.m. today. Sponsors interested in donating or providing door prizes should contact Walker at 381-3243.

Contestants who advance will perform in the semi-final and final round of Heartland Idol Feb. 12.

For more information visit the Heartland Idol Facebook page.