HHS to host Idol

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — The fifth season of Aroostook Idol kicks off at Houlton High School Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. and organizers are anticipating another exciting county-wide search for the best vocalist in northern Maine.
    “We are looking forward to coming to the Houlton area and seeing the talent in Houlton,” says Claudia Stevens, executive director of the United Way of Aroostook which sponsors the competition as a fund-raiser for the agency’s programs. Last year, the show raised more than $28,000. And, the winning vocalist this year can look forward to two CD recording sessions in addition to a prize package of at least $1,000 in gift certificates.
    The early call for talent starts in Houlton and moves to UMFK, Feb. 6 followed by Presque Isle Middle School Feb. 13 with both of those shows starting at 7 p.m. The finale takes place in Caribou at the Performing Arts Center, Sunday, March 8  at 2 p.m. Admission to each showcase is $8 per person.
Contributed Photo
AROOSTOOK IDOL — The fifth season of Aroostook Idol will have its first performance Jan. 30 at Houlton High School. Previous winners will serve as judges. They are from left, seated: Annie Charles(2007) and Renee Davagnaro(2005). Standing, from left: Samantha Boutot(2006). Erin Buck, back right will perform at each regional venue.
    Jason Parent, co-chair of the event and director of development and community relations at Northern Maine Community College, says “the show in Houlton this year is the earliest we’ve ever done and Houlton has shown the most growth in terms of audience participation and contestants. It’s always a pleasure to go back to Houlton.”
    This year organizers lowered the age requirement for talent from 13 to 12. However, “contestants must be 12 or older as of Jan. 30,” says Stevens of the competition that attracts a wide variety of ages and talent. In the past, contestants have performed to a diverse range of music spanning the pop, rock, Christian and rap genres. Applications to compete in the regional showcases are available at Key Bank branches in Aroostook County or on the United Way of Aroostook Web site at www.unitedwayaroostook.org.
    There is no fee to enter the contest but Parent encourages would-be contestants to apply early. The show is limited to fifteen contestants and any subsequent applicants are put on a waiting list in the event of cancellations.
    American Idol, the phenomenally successful TV series, and Aroostook Idol both choose the best talent through audience votes. And Aroostook Idol, like its TV predecessor, will have its own version of judges whose commentary may or may not influence the audience vote. Past winners, Renee Cavagnaro (2005) of Caribou, Samantha Boutot (2006) of Fort Kent and Annie Charles (2007) of Limestone will take on the judging roles carried out by television’s Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. And, also like the popular network reality series, contestants who don’t succeed the first time, can try to capture the title the next time around. When it comes to professional caliber talent, Stevens says “We have found amazing talent and have definitely come across folks like that.”