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Wheatley Idol competition – wow, what a show!!!!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The fifth annual Wheatley Idol competition, sponsored by the Wheatley Optimist Club, was held on Sunday, August 3 and there was a terrific turnout of 340 people to watch a variety of talented performers. Event organizers have submitted the following information and attached photos. Thanks for thinking of cktimes...... Master of Ceremonies Dustyn Janzen, Country 92.7 CJSP, Afternoon Drive Host says, "The popularity of the Wheatley Idol event has grown since it began five years ago, and continues to grow. This is my fourth year as the MC and I enjoy coming back every year. It’s great to see all the amazing talent & great support we receive from everyone involved to make this event such a success.” “The Wheatley Idol is a MUST SEE for upcoming local talent,” says Dale Butler, singer, songwriter, sound technician. Celebrity Judge Crystal Gage, Recording Artist, Singer/Songwriter says, "I was honoured to get asked to be a judge for Wheatley Idol and was blown away by how much young local talent we have. This is truly a great contest and offers an amazing opportunity for someone to lay the ground floor for a career in music and I was so happy to be a part of it. Congrats to all the contestants for putting on a great show!" "Online registration filled up four weeks early!” said organizer Darla Janzen. “We had room for 40 contestants to take to the outdoor stage vying for the ultimate recording package prize as well as cash & cool gift prizes.” There was no entry fee for the contestants. All the participants received a Participants Award Certificate. Wheatley Idol overall winner was James Staley, 18, of Cottam. James received the star-studded grand prize sponsored by Professional Studios & more. “This is the most exciting winner’s package we have had to date. Not only will James be able to record a demo, he will also star in his own music video. It is a complete idol package. He will also receive a custom designed CD & DVD jacket for the recordings, to include the photo shoot favored picture for the covers, which Staley will be wearing clothing, accessories, and hair makeover also provided by sponsors,” says Janzen. Winner in addition received cash & other gifts. Prize value of $2,100 The thirteen winners in the four age categories received Cash Prizes, Gift Certificates & Prizes, and Award Plaques, including invitations for the four 1st place winners from Nicole Barron, Leamington Idol organizer, to be a special guest performer at Leamington Idol Competition on Saturday, August 16 at this year’s Leamington Tomato Festival. “This is the third year Wheatley Idol has worked with the Leamington Idol committee. “It is a great opportunity for both parties as it gives the winners another chance to show case their talents and it brings both communities together for a very special event. We have also extended invitations for the four 1st place 2008 Tomato Idol winners and will look forward to having them perform at 2009 Wheatley Idol as guest vocalists,” says Janzen. Mark your calendars for the sixth Annual Wheatley Idol Talent Competition civic holiday weekend in 2009 and watch for early pre-registration to avoid disappointment, as registration is limited. Wheatley Idol website is www.jimaging.net/wheatleyidol The Wheatley District Optimist Club, presenter of the Wheatley Idol Talent Competition to the youth, thanks this year Sponsors, Partners & Volunteers who helped make 2008 Wheatley Idol possible for all. Wheatley Idol is in conjunction with the annual Wheatley Fish Festival. Event Volunteers & Additional Info Celebrity MC Dustyn Janzen, Country 92.7 CJSP, Afternoon Drive Host Official helpers, Jr MC’s Heidi Janzen (age 5), Alyssa (age 7), & Kelsey Schmitt (age 5) Celebrity Judges were Nicole Barron, Recording Artist, Singer/Songwriter, Crystal Gage Recording Artist, Singer/Songwriter, Cordell Green, Country Morning 92.7 CJSP radio host, and Guest Judge Jen Knight, 2007 Wheatley Idol Overall Winner. Special performances from Jen Knight, Crystal Gage & Guest vocalist 2007 Tomato Idol winner Kaitlyn Clifford, who was also one of this years Wheatley Idol winners.