Post by Inside Australian Idol on Feb 23, 2004 23:17:28 GMT 10
No nasty judges in this 'icon'
Monday, 23 February 2004
Watch out Shannon and Guy - auditions have begun for Dubbo's very own 'Outback Icon' competition.
The first round of try-outs for wannabe icons was held at the weekend - organiser Debbie Dunkley said it was all about giving locals the chance to shine on stage.
"It gives people out this way the chance to do what Shannon's done - it's an opportunity they wouldn't normally get," she said.
"We're encouraging people to get up there and have some fun - there's no nasty judges and all of feedback we give is positive."
The lack of a "Dicko" aside, Ms Dunkley said Australian Idol and the long drive to Cobar provided the inspiration for ‘Outback Icon'.
"I was totally bored driving to Cobar one night for a gig while Australian Idol was on and a light bulb just went on," she said.
"I saw how well Shannon was doing and how he'd put Condobolin on the map and thought we could do the same thing here."
"We're going to run our competition as close as possible to the Australian Idol format - we won't have phone voting but the audience will be able to vote for and eliminate contestants."
Ms Dunkley said she and the other two judges had been very pleased with the local ability on show.
"So far there's been some very good talent come through," she said.
"We haven't had anyone who thinks they're good but have been really woeful like on Australian Idol," she said.
"The bar just seems to keep being raised with every competitor and people are coming from all over: Forbes, Coonamble, Wellington, Warren and Gilgandra."
Local business support for ‘Outback Icon' had also been strong, Ms Dunkley said.
"We've had great support from local sponsors for prizes and the guys at Dubbo RSL have been great," she said.
"We've got some excellent prizes up for grabs and the audience will be in the running as well, just for voting."
Although Guy took out the official prize in the national competition, Ms Dunkley admits to a bit of a liking for the runner-up.
"Shannon's a real crowd-pleaser - he's just a down-to-earth country lad and he'll do better in the long term," she said.
o Outback Icon is holding further auditions for age groups 10 to 17 years, 16 to 27 years and 28 years plus - heats start March 6. For details call Dubbo RSL on 6682 4411 or Ms Dunkley on 6888 7339.
dubbo.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=local&category=general%20news&story_id=287543&y=2004&m=2
Monday, 23 February 2004
Watch out Shannon and Guy - auditions have begun for Dubbo's very own 'Outback Icon' competition.
The first round of try-outs for wannabe icons was held at the weekend - organiser Debbie Dunkley said it was all about giving locals the chance to shine on stage.
"It gives people out this way the chance to do what Shannon's done - it's an opportunity they wouldn't normally get," she said.
"We're encouraging people to get up there and have some fun - there's no nasty judges and all of feedback we give is positive."
The lack of a "Dicko" aside, Ms Dunkley said Australian Idol and the long drive to Cobar provided the inspiration for ‘Outback Icon'.
"I was totally bored driving to Cobar one night for a gig while Australian Idol was on and a light bulb just went on," she said.
"I saw how well Shannon was doing and how he'd put Condobolin on the map and thought we could do the same thing here."
"We're going to run our competition as close as possible to the Australian Idol format - we won't have phone voting but the audience will be able to vote for and eliminate contestants."
Ms Dunkley said she and the other two judges had been very pleased with the local ability on show.
"So far there's been some very good talent come through," she said.
"We haven't had anyone who thinks they're good but have been really woeful like on Australian Idol," she said.
"The bar just seems to keep being raised with every competitor and people are coming from all over: Forbes, Coonamble, Wellington, Warren and Gilgandra."
Local business support for ‘Outback Icon' had also been strong, Ms Dunkley said.
"We've had great support from local sponsors for prizes and the guys at Dubbo RSL have been great," she said.
"We've got some excellent prizes up for grabs and the audience will be in the running as well, just for voting."
Although Guy took out the official prize in the national competition, Ms Dunkley admits to a bit of a liking for the runner-up.
"Shannon's a real crowd-pleaser - he's just a down-to-earth country lad and he'll do better in the long term," she said.
o Outback Icon is holding further auditions for age groups 10 to 17 years, 16 to 27 years and 28 years plus - heats start March 6. For details call Dubbo RSL on 6682 4411 or Ms Dunkley on 6888 7339.
dubbo.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=local&category=general%20news&story_id=287543&y=2004&m=2
