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There was a time – 8 p.m. Tuesdays to be precise – when my wife and I would turn off our phones, shut the blinds and otherwise ignore the rest of the world because American Idol was playing. Then again, there was also a time when we thought Buffy the Vampire Slayer was the best thing on television, so take that for what it’s worth.
While the show has given the world exactly one rock star – Chris Daughtry, who wasn’t a winner but still brought it on “Home” – it did provide a platform for unknown singers like Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood to show off their skills, so for that reason American Idol was worth a watch.
Naturally, when something becomes that big of a hit nationally – internationally in this case – local folks want to get it on the action. Enter The Blue Stage in downtown Andrews, Cherokee County’s newest entertainment venue and a great place to hang out for a few hours, which is what you’ll want to do when “Andrews Idol” kicks off this weekend.
The grand total of 32 contestants will compete in four rounds of auditions – set for 7 p.m. Saturdays, July 15, July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5; tickets are $20 – before the judges’ picks perform again in the finals. They’re not just singing for bragging rights, either; first place is worth $1,000, second place is going for $500, and third and fourth places will get you $250. Visit andrewsidol.com for details.
Thanks to the music ministry at MountainView Church in Murphy, I’ve had the joy of playing live with at least two of the contestants. Justin Daugherty, the worship pastor and an all-around good guy, is up on July 22.
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“I’m a little nervous,” he admitted, though his sweet beard conceals it well. “I’ve only sang church songs for so long it’s a little nerve-racking to jump into singing whatever I want, and not knowing who the competition will be or the judges or anything. I’m hoping just to have fun and get a chance to play in a different environment.”
Rebecca Woodard has been singing with the church’s worship band for so long that she is one of only three of us left from when we were called Effigy and recorded the CD Whisper to a Shout, which amazingly came out 10 years ago this month. Her strong vocal cords will be on display July 15.
“I am excited for this opportunity,” she said, as humble as ever. “I plan to remain lighthearted and have fun with this. Andrews is my hometown, and I want to represent it well.”
This is not the first time someone in these parts has tried to capitalize on American Idol fame.
- Around 2006, the Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville hosted a fundraiser called “Licklog Idol” (think of the theater’s former Licklog Players). I remember it well because I played the Ryan Seacrest role of host for the event, which was well attended, although the spoon player’s comic relief went on for a wee bit too long.
- For five years, the Northeast Georgia Board of Realtors coordinated a singing competition called “Mountain Idol.” I was one of the judges during the last two contests in 2012 and 2013, which were a lot of fun and included some top-notch talent. As a matter of fact, one of our church band’s former singers – Breezy McCoy – took the title in ’13, so perhaps that’s a good omen of things to come.
What blew me away during all of those events is just how much hidden talent there is right here at home. I can only imagine what the new crop of contestants will sound like a decade later, when it’s so much easier to record and fine-tune your voice and songs at home. (But don’t fear; I’m not a judge this year, and you’ll never hear me sing in public unless auto-tune or lip-synching is involved.)
Whose musical journey will take them to the promised land of applause, cash and at least some local fame this year? We’ll find out starting Saturday.
David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout. You can reach him by phone, 837-5122; email, dbrown@cherokeescout.com; or on Twitter @daviddBstroh.