A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail asking if I'd like to be the "Ryan Seacrest" in the first ever "Paramount Idol". DUH! Of course I would!!! I became excited as soon as I found out about our town's own version of American Idol because, as an entertainment anchor for the Newsplex, I have seen first hand how rich Charlottesville's musical talent pool is. 

My excitement proved warranted this past weekend when over 200 hopeful contestants came out to the Paramount to audition for the show. I sat in on several of the auditions and there was not one William Hung in the bunch. Everyone was so talented, but somehow  the field was narrowed to just over 40 who sang for a coveted spot in the Top 10. Just like American Idol, song choice and stage presence separated the great voices from those who had the full package and a talented Top 10 was chosen.

The Top 10 will compete in a live finale at the Paramount next Wednesday hosted by me. They'll be backed by In Full band and face an esteemed panel of judges:

--Bruce Flohr, Red Light Management & ATO Records

--Andy Waldeck, Warner Bothers recording artist, writer, producer

--Maxine Jones, Lead singer of multi-platinum group En Vogue

The prize package is impressive too:

FIRST PLACE:    $1,000 cash
+ Career consultation session with Red Light Management
+ Professionally produced demo at The Sound recording studio

SECOND PLACE:   $500 cash
+ Professionally produced demo at The Sound recording studio

THIRD PLACE:    $250 cash
+ Professionally produced demo at The Sound recording studio

AND the event is for a great cause; benefiting the amazing arts education program that the Paramount offers to over 12,000 local students each year!

Awesome, right?

The finale is LIVE at the Paramount next Wednesday night beginning at 6pm and will be followed by the American Idol finale on the theater's big screen. Tickets are just 10 dollars.

I. Can. Not. Wait!

Now... what to wear....