Flathead hosts its own 'American Idol' contest

Think you're the next American Idol? Now there's a chance to prove it.

A contest patterned after the now-famous "American Idol" TV reality show will be conducted during the next month at the Eagles ballroom in Kalispell.

The grand prize is a round-trip ticket to the nearest city conducting American Idol auditions, two nights' lodging and $500.

The runner-up gets a trophy and $250.

Open auditions on a first-come, first-served basis will be held starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Eagles Lodge, 37 First St. West, in Kalispell. Entrants must sing songs of their choice a cappella, just as with the national TV auditions.

A $20 audition fee will be charged.

Doors close at noon, but everyone who has been issued a number that morning will be auditioned, and the top 12 finalists will be named.

All competitions will begin at 7 p.m. July 10, 13, 18, 22, 24 and 27 in the Eagles ballroom, with the championship July 31. Contestants must provide their own accompanist until the final show, when a band will be provided.

The public is invited to all the shows, and each person can cast a single vote for a favorite vocalist.

The admission charge is $2 a show; youths ages 12 and younger won't be admitted.

Headlining the judges panel is Tom Gunn, who played professionally in Las Vegas for more than 25 years and was a song arranger and accompanist for Robert Goulet for 6 1/2 years.

Other judges are Ron Gerard, a voice and guitar instructor at North Valley Music School; Erika Doane, a piano and vocal teacher with the Academy of Performing Arts in Kalispell; and Cathy Helder, a local vocal instructor who was once the voice teacher of 2005 American Idol finalist Vonzell Soloman.

A complete schedule and rules are posted in outlets serviced by Flathead Beverage, a co-sponsor of the event with the Eagles.