Eleven vie for
Stanislaus County Fair Idol title
Turlock
-- Eleven vocalists will compete for the title of
2005 Stanislaus County Fair Idol. Their fate is now
in the hands of fair guests and judges who will
decide the grand prize winner.
Auditions for the
Stanislaus County Fair Idol competition were held
today, July 16, at the fairgrounds. “The talent at
this year’s auditions surpassed that of the previous
years," said Janine Runnels, competition
coordinator. "Close to 40 talented vocalists
auditioned for the coveted finalist positions in the
competition.”
Each contestant
auditioned a cappella for five qualified judges, all
of whom have an extensive amount of experience in
the entertainment industry. Contestants were judged
on musicianship, stage presentation and overall
entertainment value.
The finalists for 2005
Stanislaus County Fair Idol competition are (in
alphabetical order):
-
Lisa Allred, age
23 of Modesto
-
Aubrey Ames, age
17 of Hughson
-
Nick Brown, age 19
of Modesto
-
Maria Jorge, age
17 of Hilmar
-
Carley Burch, age
17 of Hilmar
-
Kristen Chacon,
age 16 of Modesto
-
Tammy Garcia, age
28 of Modesto
-
Andy Mendoza, age
27 of Modesto
-
Christy Riley, age
22 of Oakdale
-
Zachary Sahlstrom,
age 25 of Turlock
-
Jena Wilkerson,
age 19 of Modesto
The alternates, who
will fill a vacancy should one arise in the top 11
between now and opening day of the fair, are:
-
1st Alternate:
Maria Roberts, age 23 of Modesto
-
2nd Alternate:
Yesenia "Yessy" Mota, age 17 of Modesto
-
3rd Alternate:
Ariana Martinez, age 16 of Turlock
“Competition plans
called for 10 finalists,” said Runnels. “However,
when we announced the results, one of the finalists
was not present and so we moved on to the next
highest scoring contestant. Minutes later we learned
the missing finalist was actually suffering from a
very nervous stomach in the restroom. So it seemed
only appropriate that she be granted her honestly
earned place in the competition and that we honor
the other high-scoring contestant.”
Finalists will compete
for the grand prize of $1,000, a trip to Disneyland,
eight hours of recording time at The Creation Lab
and a live radio performance on KAT Country 103.3.
The 2nd place winner receives $500. The
3rd place winner receives $250 and 4th
through 10th places receive $100.
The Stanislaus County
Fair Idol competition is held nightly during the
fair’s 10-day run, July 29 to Aug. 7. Showtime is at
7 p.m. each night on the Black Oak Casino Stage. KAT
Country 103.3 hosts the competition.
Beginning 30 minutes
prior to each show, 500 ballots will be distributed
to audience members whose votes will be combined
with votes from nightly guest judges. The lowest
vote recipient will not move forward in the
competition, but will continue to perform each
evening in the group’s opening and closing numbers.
Together each evening, the finalists and three
alternates will perform tropical song and dance
numbers—“Hot, Hot, Hot!” and “Conga.”
Audition contestants
not selected to compete and perform during the fair
received a one-night complementary pass to the
Stanislaus County Fair and a gift certificate for
Cold Stone Creamery.
“Be sure to come to
the fair to support the finalists,” said Runnels.
“Bring banners and signs, and cheer on your favorite
Idol contestant!”
The Stanislaus County
Fair is now in its 94th year. The theme
of this year’s fair is “Tropical Nights & Midway
Lights!”
Last year more than 225,000 people
enjoyed the fair. In 2002 and again in 2003,
Modesto Bee readers voted the Stanislaus County
Fair their “Favorite All-Around Event” in the
Bee’s Reader’s Choice Awards.
The mission of the Stanislaus County
Fair is to provide a family and community oriented
experience promoting agriculture, education,
entertainment and technology. For more information
and the 10-day schedule for the Stanislaus County
Fair log onto
www.stancofair.com.
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