Simon Cowell left American Idol but the show went on. Dawn Boudreau left Prince George but PG Idol will go on.
Boudreau, in addition to being one of the city's best known jazz and pop vocalists, was the driving force behind the annual showcase for up and coming talent. When she moved to the Lower Mainland to pursue more show business, she refused to stop the search for stars back in her hometown. The plans for 2014 were announced on Monday.
As with past years, the event is for solo singer-musicans, a singer with a lone accompanist, or a vocalist singing to karaoke backtrack.
"David Baycroft won last year," said Boudreau. "Afterwards we all went out for the cast party and he told me then that not succeeding in his first attempt the year before was the best thing that ever happened to him because he was really motivated all the next year and pushed himself to win, and that really brought out another level in his development."
Those interested in entering this year's contest (anyone who wasn't a Top 4 finalist last year) can register starting Monday at the Prince George Idol button on Boudreau's website (www.dawnboudreau.com) where all the rules and prize information is also explained in full.
This year's events are compiled into a two-week window with preliminary nights of performances at Art Space beginning July 7, playoff rounds leading to the Final 4, then a grand finale at UNBC's Canfor Theatre on July 18.
The votes from the audience determine each night's set of winners. You don't have to tune in the next night for the winners, however. One of Prince George's established entertainers keeps the crowd psyched up while the organizers count the votes and announce the top names for advancing.
"I'm always really excited, the participants get a lot out of it, and there is a whole network of sponsors and supporters who look forward to this," said Boudreau. "My heart is always in trying to help people improve their art so it's a big part of who I am. I like to keep my fingers in the community of Prince George and PG Idol has been so awesome for the music community there I didn't want to see it fade away just because I was out of town. I'm still totally connected to my hometown so this was a perfect reason to come back and stay directly involved."
PRINCE GEORGE IDOL HISTORY...
Prince George Idol 2013:
First Place - David Baycroft
Second Place - Kyra Kristmanson
Third Place - Rebecca Ascah
Fourth Place - Bryanna Davidson
Prince George Idol 2012:
First Place - Chazz Amos
Second Place - Jaymie Walker
Third Place - Brookyn Derksen
Fourth Place - Caitlyn Macaulay
Prince George Idol 2011:
First Place - Sheena Muir
Second Place - Caitlyn Macaulay
Third Place - Paige Marriott
