Downriver Idol

Who will be the next…

Southern Great Lakes Symphony hosting the Downriver Idol

Do you dream of becoming a pop music superstar who has it all? A platinum album, fame and fortune, fabulous parties, expensive cars, a private chef…

Okay, hold on. Before you start envisioning your star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, why don’t you show your hometown what you’ve got at the Southern Great Lakes Symphony’s first-ever Downriver Idol! If you think you have what it takes to be the next American Idol, then this is the competition for you.

The SGLS invites all singers to audition on Friday, Jan. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Best Western Woodhaven (Karaoke Night), Saturday, Jan. 9, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, or Sunday, Jan 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allen Park Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. Auditions will take place in an informal environment. Contestants can sing anything they please in a three-minute audition — opera, art song, pop, rock, country, jazz, blues — you name it. The competition is open to all, but pre-registration on the SGLS website (www.sgls.org) and a $5.00 fee are required. So all you’ll need to bring is yourself and your unique vocal talent.

“This is a great opportunity for aspiring singers,” says Mari Frost, President of the SGLS. The semifinalists announced Sunday, Jan 10, will perform for an audience of about 500 people at at the Flat Rock Community Auditorium on Friday, February 5th. Three finalists will then perform with the SGLS at the Feb 21st Concert at the Flat Rock Auditorium and the winner will be selected by the audience.

Rather than suffer through Simon Cowell’s extremely harsh criticism (“You sing like Mickey Mouse on helium”), contestants will be carefully judged by SGLS staff. According to Frost, feedback will be “positive and constructive,” unlike many comments on American Idol. Frost says, “We’re just looking for the best singer; you don’t have to classically trained, but it helps to show your personality and let your unique identity translate through the music.”

Downriver Idol is one of the SGLS’s innovative initiatives for attracting a new, younger generation of patrons. “We’d love to see the competition take off and become a huge Downriver event,” says Frost. The SGLS is looking forward to discovering all the talent in the Downriver area.

Contestants must be at least 18 years old, or have their parents or guardian permission, audition individually (no groups) and bring their own accompanist if they choose not to sing a capella, or with the Karaoke.  A piano will be provided at the two church locations. Contestants need only attend one of the three audition sessions. This event is not affiliated with American Idol.

For more information and registration, contact the SGLS at 734.246.2890.

Registration Fee Online Payment