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The junior and teen contestant will take center stage in Thursday's opening night of the fifth season of Heartland Idol.
click any photo to view this story's photo gallery  published: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 
Heartland Idol ready to rock By KEVIN J. SHUTT SEBRING -- Heartland Idol's fifth season opens at 6 p.m. Thursday on the Circle in downtown Sebring. It's been a rough year for the Idol family, explained Don Elwell one-half of the emcee duo that includes David Flowers. From death and illness to small-town scandal and intrigue, Heartland Idol's organizers have shared in the trials and tribulations that have tested their community. "This brings a little sense of normalcy to our lives," Elwell said. "That moment when you get to the top of the stage and look out over the crowd, that's what I'm waiting for." Since the last Heartland Idol concluded, Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce returned Idol to founder Diana Walker, Elwell was laid off from Kenilworth Lodge and title sponsors Bob and Nancy Trautman walked away. A lot has changed. The Trautmans returned, Alan Jay Automotive Network (also an Idol sponsor) hired Elwell and Walker rebuilt her singing contest from the ground up. "It's a free pass showcasing the best singers in Highlands County," Elwell said. The only things the audience needs to bring is some energy, enthusiasm, their appetite, a few greenbacks (for food, not admission) and lawn chairs. In addition to soda and water, Idol volunteers will sell hot-dogs, brauts, chili-cheese nachos and the much-anticipated "Idol Dog." At a foot in length and a 1/2 pound in heft, the Idol Dog is a meal unto itself when topped with the aforementioned chili and cheese. At $3 a pop, you can buy one for the show and another for later. For all of the crooners, the most important fact yet to be addressed is the prize money. Idol is divided into three competitions: Junior Idol for preteens and younger, Teen Idol for teenagers and Heartland Idol for adults 18 and older. By the end of the contest, one champion will be named in each division. Junior and Teen champs will each receiving $500 gift cards and adult Idols will receive $2,000 cash. Lower amounts are paid through fifth place in each division, Elwell said. Gone is a requirement that the winners perform later to receive their full winnings. All prize money will be paid at the conclusion of the competitions. Qualifying for Junior and Teens are the first two shows and their finales will occur the fourth week. Adults will sing through Nov. 8, Veterans Day weekend. While qualifying will be done a cappella, semi-finals will center on a theme -- from a Billboard Top 40 song during the contestant's birth year to the Bee Gees. Yes, the Bee Gees. "That will definitely separate the men from the boys," Elwell said. All performances must be done in a manner reflecting the original artists' style, he added. Elwell suggested bringing signs, the homemade variety, to show support for a favorite artist. "I've never had a sign," he joked. For more information, log on to HeartlandIdol.com, which includes online registration and information about the "Heartland Idol Goes Green" campaign.  Great show tonight (by: Ray Napper - 9/4/2008) The was a couple of hundred people or more people there tonight. Great turn out and it went fine, I'm thankful you're okay (by: Ray Napper - 9/4/2008) Great ! BTW We still love you girl Believe it or not. Better than ever (by: Big T - 9/4/2008) Ray I am still involved in it. It has been a passion of mine along with the other boards I've served on over the years. A little "scandal" doesn't take away from all I've done for this community over the years. Nor will it stop me from being me and being helpful, good hearted, and supportive of good causes. Thanks for you concern. top quality entertainment (by: Big Pimpin' - 9/4/2008) And it's free to watch and listen. Damn, I wished I lived on the circle. It will be better than ever (by: Ray Napper - 9/3/2008) Diana Walker being back in charge is a breath of fresh air. She was one of the original founders of the Idol. It is a task of love to her I believe and so it's a big passion rather than ALL the hard work it really is. So good luck to everyone involvedand Big "T" I hope you change your mind and come be a part of it. It might do you some good to relax for a while.  Small Banner Ads |
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