By Caleb Jones, Student Reporter
This Friday (February 28), many talented youth musicians will perform in the first round of the annual GBSS Idol 2014.
This event, in the style of the popular reality competition television shows, will be returning to Georgian Bay Secondary School this year.This will mark the fourth time the school has held the event, after successful competitions in 2008, 2009, and 2011, which saw Chelsea Randall, Connor Vilaca, and the duet of Jordyn Smith and Cam Fletcher, respectively, be crowned Idol winners.
This Friday’s competition will contain 24 acts, all vying to move on to the next round which will be held on March 28. After that round, more will be eliminated and the others will move on to the next round on April 25, followed by the finale featuring the top five acts which will take place at Meaford Hall on May 23.
Attendees at each show will be the ones determining who will advance to the next round, voting by ballot for as many contestants as they deem deserving.
“We are all very excited for Season 4 of GBSS Idol”, said music teacher and Idol host Patrick Delaney. “The school is buzzing with musical energy right now, and I think that Round 1 will showcase a lot of new faces. It’s an exciting year for Music at GBSS!”
The 24 acts include bands, duets and solo performances, containing Meaford and Thornbury students from Grade 9 to Grade 12 currently attending GBSS. They will be competing ultimately for the title of Idol Winner, as well as significant cash prizes. The winnings currently stand at $500 for first, $250 for second, and $100 for third. However, in past years these prizes have been increased because of generous community donations.
The participants range from first-time Grade 9 entries to more experienced older students. Grade 12 student and coffee house veteran Becky Harrison is very excited for this competition. “I think that it’ll be great for the school – as we’ve had a break from Idol and Coffee Houses, because of various issues. It’ll be a great rejuvenation – a face lift for the school”, she commented.
The competition is also a great chance for younger students to step outside their comfort zone, and try something new. “I’m very excited for the competition”, said Grade 9 contestant Michelle Wright. “I think it’ll be a great experience and a lot of fun.”
The event will be held in the school gymnasium Friday, February 28 and will start at 7pm. Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door.
