'Heartland Idol' returns April 25

[April 08, 2014]  NORMAL — "Heartland Idol" returns for a fifth year to showcase the singing talents of area residents in a competitive format while raising money to benefit the Heartland Alumni Scholarship Fund. "Heartland Idol" will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. April 25 at the Astroth Community Education Center Auditorium on Heartland's Normal campus, 1500 W. Raab Road.

The event will also feature raffles, including a chance to win two VIP tickets to the Tim McGraw concert at the Corn Crib on Sept. 12, as well as tickets to a select CornBelters baseball game in Heartland's exclusive suite.

College Station Apartments and Radio Bloomington are sponsoring the event.

A new addition this year — comeback contestant

The show will feature two contestants vying for the last spot in the competition. The performer whose submission video receives the most "likes" on the Heartland Alumni Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HeartlandCCalumni will win the slot. The most recent videos were from Heartland student Brie Weaver and Illinois State University student Rachel Tatar.

Pre-show

The doors open at 5:15 p.m. for general admission seating. Concessions from Avanti's will be available, with a $4 special that includes a Gondola, chips and drink. Pre-show entertainment will begin at 6 p.m. The lineup includes local band Toocan playing tropical-style music for the whole family. Last year's "Critic's Choice" winner, Katie Campos, will also sing a number before the competition begins.

The competition

The competition will feature 11 performers in an "American Idol"-style format. The singers will compete for a "Critics' Choice" award from a panel of local judges. Singers will also compete for a "Crowd Favorite" award, determined by audience members voting with their dollars for their favorite performers. Both winners will receive prizes from Start Music Productions, Uptown Normal and Casey's Garden Shop. The "Critics' Choice" winner will also get to sing the national anthem at Heartland Night at the Corn Crib on Aug. 1.

How to get tickets

Tickets for the April 25 competition are available in advance for $5 and can be purchased from the Heartland cashier at the Normal campus or online by clicking on the "Heartland Idol" banner at www.heartland.edu. Tickets also can be purchased for $7 at the door the evening of the event. For more information, call 309-268-8188.

For more information about Heartland Community College, visit www.heartland.edu.

[Text from file received from Heartland Community College]