June 6, 2007 — Move over, "American Idol": A singing competition for people ages 13 to 24 is coming to St. Croix.
The First Express Crucian Summer Star contest will begin with four elimination concerts in the months of June and July, with eight contestants selected to compete in four final shows hosted at Island Center Theater in August, according to a news release from the theater.
“Island Center is very pleased to have First Express on board for these events,” says Doc Petersen, president of the board of directors for Island Center.
The contest will result in one overall winner selected in the final show in August, the news release said. The grand prize is $1,500, a chance for the singer to produce his or her own album and the opportunity to perform at one of Island Center’s major concerts in November.
"Since First Express opened in 2003, we have concentrated on supporting progressive community programs targeting the island’s youth for positive development,” said Alicia Bean, vice president of marketing and public relations. “Our business is based upon providing financial assistance; that’s what we do every day. So when we are called upon for support for community programs, our response comes naturally.”
Other sponsors are WVIF-TV Channel 15, which will provide television coverage of the events, and JKC Communications, the parent company of the Mongoose, WSTX, Isle 95, Sunny 99.5 and Latino 98 radio stations, which are providing promotion for and rebroadcasting of the events.
Contestants can register by calling 778-5271.
The contest schedule:
Elimination:
June 15 Elizabeth's 8 p.m.
June 22 Elizabeth's 8 p.m.
June 29 Pier 69 8 p.m.
July 6 Pier 69 8 p.m.
(Each contestant must prepare an instrumental CD to accompany his or her performance. There are no prizes for the eliminations.)
Final Shows:
1st show August 2 @ Island Center 8 p.m.
2nd show August 9 @ Island Center 8 p.m.
3rd show August 17 @ Island Center 8 p.m.
4th show August 24 @ Island Center 8 p.m.