By Nicole Fitzgerald
What: Whistler Idol
When: Thursday nights
Where: Buffalo Bill’s
Yo dawg, do you have pipes as steely as Simon Cowell’s criticism?
If you think you might be the next Kelly Clarke or Taylor Hicks, sign up for the Whistler Idol search, held every Thursday from June 14 to July 5 at Buffalo Bill’s.
“I had a great response last year with a lot of people asking when the next one was going to be,” said Whistler’s own Ryan Seacrest, Steve Jiu.
Another full house of talent stepping up to the stage is
expected with more prizes than ever. Contestants are eligible to win more than
$1,000 in cash and prizes. Singers looking to score the $750 grand prize must
attend each Thursday competition with the finals culminating in the best of the
best on July 5.
Anything is game with Jiu manning the karaoke machine: hip hop, pop, country, rock, and nursery rhymes — whatever tickles your vocal chords.
“It’s an open game for singers; anybody is welcome to come out, professionals and amateurs alike,” Jiu said.
Cash contenders will begin their climb to fame with sign up on Thursday, June 14 at 9:30 p.m. at Buffalo Bill’s. Contestants must sing two songs.
The competition switches up genres with mandatory country songs slated for the June 21 competition — extra points for country attire.
Pop rock, anything from the Billboard charts over the past five years, is on the musical score for June 28 when the competition will be narrowed to eight finalists. All finalists will be invited to sing aboard the Buffalo Bill’s Canada Day float.
The final eight will battle it out July 5 with the next Whistler Idol named.
Judging will be based on the three rounds of competitions as well as the finals.
“They’ve got to have stage presence and they need to create chemistry between themselves and the crowd,” Jiu said, adding dancing, proper clothing attire and a great smile are always a bonus.
Of course, singing is at the top of the judging panel’s score sheets — although a crowd of cheering friends always helps.
Registration is $5.
Entry forms are available at Farfalla Hair and Esthetics and Buffalo Bill’s or by calling 604-905-0776.
