Soroptimists planning second Vandalia Idol

Who are the members of Soroptimist International of Vandalia? They are part of an international organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

The word Soroptimist means “best for women,” and that is what the organization strives to achieve.
Soroptimists Debra Morecraft and Ginger Shroyer are coordinating the organization’s second annual American Idol and shared some facts about the next contest.
Idol rounds will be held June 16 and 23, with the finale scheduled for June 30, with all sessions held at First Baptist Church in Vandalia.
The Invitation
Shroyer and Morecraft are excited about the second Idol fundraiser for the Soroptimists of Vandalia.
Shroyer said that they are inviting local residents with musical abilities to pick up applications, which are available at area banks and the Vandalia KC Campus, from any Soroptimist member or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].
The entry fee is $25, and the entry deadline is June 8. Contestants must be pre-registered by paying the entry fee with their registration.
Moorecraft emphasized that the Idol competition is open to all area residents, not just those in Vandalia, and that it’s a great opportunity for local people to showcase their talents.
She also said that while the contest is held in a church, “the selections do not have to be Christian song. It is held in a church building because of the space, and the acoustics,” she said.
They do require that the participants’ songs be family-friendly, with no lewd or violent lyrics.
Some Changes
The People’s Choice Award was a popular audience vote last year, so this year, the Soroptimists have brought it back, but with a change for the better.
The popular choice winners of the two audition nights will advance to the finale.
Also, three cash prizes will be awarded this year; last year, there were two.
First prize is $500, second prize is $250 and third prize is $100.
The three finalists of the first two audition nights will each receive $25, so they will get something whether or not they go on to the finale.
They are also encouraging those attending to bring a dollar with them for the People’s Choice votes
“This year we are going a step further,” Morecraft said.
“Last year, they (People’s Choice winner) got half of the money, but this year, they get to go on to the finale, so there will be a total of eight in the finale.
“Also, the only way the $25 registration fee is refundable is if they are sick or have some other type of emergency. If they do not show up, they have lost their money.”
Some Reminders for the Contestants
The CD’s the entrants use for their performances must be able to be played anywhere, and their dress must be family-friendly.
Shroyer said, “They need to keep in mind that part of the judging will be based on their appearance,”
Moorecraft added that blue jeans with holes in them will not be considered appropriate, and participants must wear shoes.
Rules/Guidelines
• No age limit and no residency restrictions.
• Solo acts only. Allowed are CD’s with karaoke-type tracks for accompaniment and/or background vocals. No lead vocal CD’s are allowed.
• The contest is for non-professional soloists.
• For auditions, contestants may choose to use CD or sing acapella,
• The name of the song and artist who recorded it must be provided at time of registration, to be included in the program.
• Judges’ decisions are final.
• Participants may not leave the stage or interact with judges or audience.
• Scoring will be as follows: vocal ability – 1-25; stage appearance – 1-15; and appearance – 1-10.
• Ties will be broken by highest vocal ability score.
• Finalists must be prepared to sing a second song. First and second place will be chosen from the final six contestants.
• The contest will be limited to the first 75 applicants with paid registration fee. They will be split into two nights, with choice of night given on first request basis. • Registration to be mailed to Soroptimist International ofVandalia, Vandalia Idol Contest, P.O. Box 171, Vandalia, Ill. 62471.