MITCHELL — Calling all singers, performers, shower-singing superstars and hidden musical talents! The search is on for this year’s WQRK and Lite FM Persimmon Idol! Local singers are encouraged to step into the spotlight and show Southern Indiana what they’ve got!
The WQRK Southern Indiana’s Classic Hits & Litefm Persimmon Idol competition is gearing up for another exciting year, and organizers are looking for talented singers from across the local listening area to compete for $500 cash and Persimmon Idol bragging rights!
If you’ve ever dreamed of standing on a stage and showing off your voice, this is your chance.
Two Divisions – Two Prizes
This year’s competition features two age divisions:
- Youth: Ages 10-17
- Adult: Ages 18 and up
And there’s serious money on the line.
The winner of each division will receive a Persimmon Idol trophy and a $500 cash prize, meaning two talented singers will walk away with $500 each!
The Preliminary Auditions
Before contestants can take the stage in front of the Persimmon Festival crowd, they must first make it through the preliminary round.
The preliminary auditions are scheduled for Thursday, September 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Mitchell High School Auditorium. Contestants will perform their selected song in front of judges, who will determine which singers advance to the Main Street Stage.
And here’s the catch: the preliminaries are closed to the public. Friends and family members will not be allowed inside the audition room, allowing contestants to perform directly for the judges in a private audition setting.
Those selected to advance will be contacted no later than Wednesday, September 17.
Come Prepared
If you’re performing with recorded music, you must provide your own music on CD, and the track cannot contain lead vocals. Contestants may also bring their own instrument for accompaniment, while a cappella performances are allowed, though organizers do not recommend performing without accompaniment.
Contestants must also bring printed lyrics to their song and be prepared to present them at the preliminary audition.
Songs may be no longer than four minutes, and officials must approve all music and lyrics before the performance.
Duets are Welcome
Think you sound even better with someone else? Bring your duet partner!
Duets are welcome, giving singers another way to showcase their talent and bring something special to the competition.
Whether you’re a solo singer or perform best as a duo, organizers want to hear what you’ve got.
Time for the Big Stage
Making it through preliminaries means earning a chance to perform under the lights on Mitchell’s Main Street Stage during the Persimmon Festival.
Finalists will perform Tuesday, September 22, at 7:30 p.m., where the public is invited to come out, cheer on their favorites and watch the Persimmon Idol competition unfold. Admission to the Main Street performances is free.
That’s where the nerves get real, the crowd gets loud and one singer in each division will ultimately be crowned Persimmon Idol!
Don’t miss your shot
Maybe you’ve been singing for years. Maybe you’ve only recently discovered that you’ve got a voice worth hearing. Maybe your friends and family have been telling you forever that you should enter.
Bring your voice. Your confidence. Your lyrics. Your music. Your biggest performance.
And most of all, bring your talent!
The entry deadline is Wednesday, September 10, at noon, and advance registration is encouraged to help speed up the audition process.
For complete rules and registration information, visit the official Persimmon Idol page on Litefm. If you have additional questions, contact Holly at (812) 797-0923 or hdavisgm@gmail.com.
