Can you carry a tune without the help of a bucket? Do you have the Glee soundtrack on repeat? Do you fancy yourself the next Kelly Clarkson, David Archuleta or Carrie Underwood?
It’s time to stop serenading the soap dish and step on stage. After a year’s hiatus, the Wellesley ABC Idol competition is back and looking for singers.
The competition is open to students 12 to 18 years of age who live and go to school in Wilmot, Woolwich, Wellesley or Perth East townships. The student who claims the Wellesley Idol title will win $300 and another $300 for their school’s fine arts department. Second and third place will win $200 and $100 respectively, and matching amounts for their schools. The people’s choice winner, voted on at the Wellesley Fall Fair, will receive $125.
The competition takes place in three rounds, with tryouts starting 7 p.m. June 27 at the Wellesley Community Centre. The six semi-finalists will perform at the Wellesley Fall Fair Sept. 14, with the top three advancing to the finals at the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese festival Sept. 25.
Wellesley Idol started five years ago for the 30th anniversary of the Apple Butter and Cheese Festival, and was such a success it returned for the next three years. Last year a shortage of volunteers and difficulty finding a place to hold it meant the event was put on hold.
The last time Wellesley Idol was held, the top three prizes went to students from New Hamburg and Baden. Organizers are hoping to get other schools involved and perhaps spark a healthy inter-township rivalry.
Aspiring idols need to prepare four different songs, and can repeat one during the competition. For tryouts, singers will perform one song a capella and one song with accompaniment.
Organizer Marg Runstedler said they need at least eight contestants; as of Wednesday, there were only four. To sign up, contact Runstedler at 519-656-2721 or Wendy Richardson at 519-656-2961 by early next week.
