For the third year in a row, Garrett Music Academy and Calvert Library are teaming up to present “R U Calvert’s Next Idol.”
According to Nick Garrett of The Garrett Music Academy, the two-night event is a “local, younger version of the popular television series American Idol. Singers will compete according to age.” The event will be held at Calvert Library Prince Frederick Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16.
The three age group categories are: eight – 10, 11 – 14 and 15 – 17.
The first evening is the “audition,” followed by the finals the second evening. Both the audition and finals begin at 6 p.m.
Contestants may use a compact disc for accompaniment and should make sure the original artist’s vocals are not present on the recording by using the karaoke track. “Background harmonies may remain in the song,” Garrett stated.
To participate, young singers:
· Must be Calvert County residents
· Have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian to submit at registration.
“Winners are selected based on a variety of criteria that span the quality of the live performance, technique, pitch, rhythm and intonation, and entertainment value,” Garrett stated. “The judges will comment on the performance and may interact with the contestant by asking questions and making comments. After the last contestant of each age group has auditioned, the judges will go into closed-door session to decide those winners that will go to the finals. They will reemerge that night with the list of finalists. For finals, contestants will sing up to two minutes and be judged using the same cri
