Partnership opens talent search for state's 'Idol'

FREEHOLD - The Freehold Center Partnership, as part of its summer concert series, has launched a statewide talent search for the "Freehold Idol."

In the search for a major talent in the state, contest plans are to showcase the best vocalists in the state. Auditions will be held on 10 consecutive Wednesdays, beginning June 13, with the exception of July 4. The auditions will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the downtown gazebo, 10 E. Main St.

All contestants must be preregistered and be a 2007 high school graduate or between the ages of 18 and 27. Auditions will only be open to the first 200 applicants, so registering early is strongly recommended.

All entrants will be required to show proof of residency and age. Dates of performances will be assigned to each entrant. All performances will be viewed and judged by professional judges.

The partnership will provide a sound system, however, contestants must bring their own background CD for musical accompaniment and be prepared to perform a three- to five-minute song. One winning "Idol" will be selected at each audition night from the preregistered contestants, according to a press release.

On Aug. 23 from 7:30-9:30 p.m., the top 10 "Idols" (the winners of each audition night) will compete to become "Freehold Idol" in the final competition.

The final competition performance will be part of the Freehold Center Partnership's Summer Concert Series held on Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be conducted on the stage in the parking lot of the Hall of Records on East Main and Lafayette streets. At this event, the audience will be able to participate and vote for the favorite "Freehold Idol."

The winner will receive three hours of studio time to record a demo at the Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts in Morganville, a cash prize of $500 and a three-day/two-night cruise for four people.

The second- and third-place finishers will be awarded cash prizes of $250 and $100, respectively. All three newly crowned "Idols" will star in the last three performances of the partnership's summer program during August and September at the downtown gazebo.

Future stars can find the registration form for the event at www.allenconsulting.com. There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee for all entrants. For additional information, call Allen Consulting at (732) 946-2711.

The Freehold Center Partnership Summer Concert Series is sponsored by the CentraState Health Care System, The Court Jester, Metropolitan Café, BarterPays!, 94.3 The Point, Comcast and NetCentric.