By Ezra Mann
Pauls Valley Daily Democrat
Pauls Valley — Another talented field of contestants made it no easier to fill the limited slots for Valley Idol for the third year.
Vying for 18 spots in the singing contest on March 26 at the Pauls Valley High School Auditorium was 29 acts sorted into one of two categories, school age of 18 years old under and the adult group for those 19 and up, said Kevin Stark, president of the arts council. Auditions were held Monday and Tuesday at the Stark Gallery located at 211 South Chickasaw and there will be first, second and third places awarded at the finals.
Stark said there was an even balance between the number of those that auditioned in the age groups, though there was a concern at first that there might not be that many adults competing. More adults came on the second night of auditions after a first night heavy with kids.
Stark added that he feels for the contestants having to go in front of a judging panel saying it can often be more difficult standing in front of a few instead of a few thousand. The community is invited to come out and support those from all over the region and Stark said he believes the audience will be pleasantly surprised.
The show will actually open up with last year’s winner, Toni Sampson. The top performers will also be given some recording time in a studio, along with the chance to perform later on at a theater in Ada.
“There’s going to be quality entertainment in the two hour show,” said Stark. “This year like any year we find talent that we didn’t know was there... with a couple of breaks some of these guys could do this professionally.”
