Rural Idol Contest Underway
By
Minda Painter

The first Rural American Revue Show by the P.O.I.N.T. organization is scheduled on Saturday, February 28th. to be held at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre on Highway 69 in downtown Point, Texas. The show will include an audition segment for the Rural American Idol Competition.

Jason McDonald, overall winner of the 2008 Rural American Idol will be the featured performer for the evening, along with finalists Leta Martinez and Erica Martinez.

Several scheduled to audition will also have the opportunity to show their talents in the non-competition segment of the show. During the audition show, each performer will be judged by a panel of judges and the audience.

Performers scoring a combined tally minimum of 65 percent will qualify for the competition later in the year. At the competition level, contestants will be placed in divisions according to age: up to age 12, Division I; 13 to 25, Division II; and 26 and older, Division III.

At the finals on November 21, a grand prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the final overall winner who takes the title of Rural American Idol 2009. The top three winners in each division will also receive cash prizes.

The Rural American Idol Program by the P.O.I.N.T. organization is on its 7th year. The monthly extravaganza, scheduled on the 4th Saturdays, is conducted by members of the organization and volunteers. People Organizing Ideal Neighborhood Today, Inc. (P.O.I.N.T.) is a non-profit with focus on the promotion of Rural American arts, culture and historical heritage. The Rural American Idol Program is aimed to present and promote amateur vocalists.

Anyone interested in auditioning can call Minda Painter @ 903-598-3809 and for more information on the contest rules and entry requirements, visit www.ruralamericans.org