So what's it all about?

Mason Idol is a vocal competition for Tri State contestants who will compete for fantastic prizes and cash. This is a wonderful opportunity for local talented performers of all ages to compete for the title of Mason Idol 2011! This is YOUR big chance to sing in front of a crowd. Bring your family and friends….we are all waiting to see if YOU can be the next Mason Idol!

Winners will have the chance to perform at other venues and events! Last year’s first place winners each received $500 cash! Second and third place winners received various prizes and gifts.

Age Groups for Competition
• 7 to 9 years
• 10 to 12 years
• 13 to 15 years
• 16 to 18 years

Competition Details:
Judging will be done by experienced vocal coaches, casting directors, and others from the entertainment industry.

First Round – Saturday, August 6th at Mars Hill Academy, 4230 Aero Drive Mason. This will be a CLOSED audition where you will sing in front of the judges for a chance to advance to the next round.

Semi Finals – Saturday, August 13th at Mars Hill Academy. At the semi finals there will be an overall people’s choice award based on audience participation.

Final Round – August 20th on the Main Stage of the Mason Heritage Festival, Main Street and Reading Road

During the Heritage Festival, on Saturday, August 20, 2011. First, Second and Third place winners are chosen from each age division and receive prizes at the final competition. One winner from each age division will be titled Mason Idol Winner 2011.

If you are interested in auditioning, please fill out the attached form and application. Please review carefully FAQs and guidelines!

Q:  What do I need for the first audition?
A:  Performers should be casually dressed in age appropriate attire.  No music is necessary for the initial audition. You will have approximately 30 – 60 seconds.

Q:  Where can I find Karaoke/Instrumental music?
A:  Music stores typically have Karaoke sections.  Instrumental and Karaoke selections are also available on iTunes.

Q:  How should I choose my song?
A:  Pick a song that you know and that is in your vocal range. Remember there will be a family audience for every performance after the initial audition so all words, dress, and actions must be appropriate. Mason Idol officials reserve the right to review lyrics and reject a song if it is inappropriate for any reason.

Q:  What is the judging criterion?
A:  Vocals (pitch, range consistency), Presentation (interpretation of the music/lyrics), Personality  (presentation of self), Stage Presence (natural ability and comfort on stage).

Q:  What is the cost to participate?
A:  There is no cost to audition, however there is an entry fee of $25.00 if you make it through auditions to  the first round.

Q: Can a parent/guardian go into the audition room with me?
A:  NO, this is the singer’s audition and they need the experience of singing on their own.

 Q:  My child is only 6 yrs old but has a beautiful voice and will not be 7 until after the cut-off date; can he/she still compete in the 7-9 age category?
A:  NO, there will be no exceptions to the age requirements.

Q:  Where will event take place?
A:  The auditions will take place on August 6th at Mars Hill Academy, 4230 Aero Drive Mason Ohio  45040.

The First Round and the Semi-final Round will also take place at Mars Hill Academy, on Saturday, August 13th. The Final Round will take place during the Mason Heritage Festival in downtown Mason, on Saturday, August 20th           

Q:  Will there be audience voting?
A:  Yes, during the First Round and the Semi-final Round the audience members will have the option to vote for their 3 favorite performers in each round.

Q:  How will the semi-final winners be decided upon?
A:  It will be a combination of the judge’s scores and the audience ballots