INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

Hello Junior Idol Contestants & Parents;

For all you contestants returning to us again from last year, welcome back, and to all new contestants, we certainly look forward to meeting (and hearing) you. Calgary's Junior Idol is all about doing what you love: singing and performing, and we're gearing up at Hats Off for the best Calgary Junior Idol competition ever.

AGE CATEGORIES

Calgary's Junior Idol singing competition has contestants compete in 2 categories:
1.) 6 to 11 years of age.
2.) 12 to 17 years of age.

In previous years, some of the experienced kids in the younger age group have enjoyed the challenge of competing in the older age group. This year we will allow this again.

THE AUDITION PROCESS

The audition process is set up in a supportive, professional, and non-threatening environment. This years auditions will be hosted at Eau Claire Market in the Community Room. Unlike the popular Idol shows, Hats Off Management emails the individual results to the each contestant after all registrants have completed their auditions and the judging has been finalized. The results are not available to the contestants immediately following their audition.

FAQ:            View Printable PDF of FAQ

Do the contestants need to know a full song for the audition?

Although it is suggested that the contestant know the full song, they may not necessarily have enough time to finish it before the audition is over.  For the first audition, it's usually best when contestants choose a piece of a song (between one and a half to two and a half minutes) that they are most comfortable with, and that shows off not only their vocal talents but their stage presentation as well.

Are contestants expected to bring in their own music?

For the first audition, contestants have the option to sing alcapella or to bring in a CD of their own music. Karaoke World has also generously offered to bring in Karaoke equipment and a song book in which contestants can choose a song they wish to sing. For contestants who choose to use Karaoke for their audition and will be picking a song at the audition location, we ask that you arrive early and have your song chosen before your audition time.

Can I bring my music on my iPod?

CDs are recommended. We will have iPod capabilities but have found in the past that they can be a little more difficult to run, and the sound quality is unpredictable.

How early should we arrive before the scheduled audition time?

Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled audition time. For contestants who choose to use karaoke, please arrive earlier and have your song chosen before your scheduled audition time.

What are the dates for the full round of competitions?

It is my wish that everyone involved with “Calgary’s Junior Idol” will show their support and cheer on our semi-finalists and finalists.

Here are the dates to mark your calendar with after auditions:

Saturday, October 17th, from 2 pm to 5 pm: Callbacks - An audition open only to callback contestants and judges. I will email our callback contestants further details after auditions.

Saturday, October 24th, from 12:00 - 2:00 pm: First Round of Semi-Finals, Centre Court, Eau Claire Market.

Saturday, October 31st, from 12:00 - 2:00 pm: Second Round of Semi-Finals, Centre Court, Eau Clarie Market.

Saturday, November 7th, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm: Final Competitions. Location TBA soon.

Thursday, December 10th, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm: Final Stage Performance showcasing the 2009 Calgary’s Junior Idol Finalists. More details to come.

Is there a piano for accompaniment?

No.

Can I watch the audition?

The first audition is a closed audition.  Although it is recommended for contestants to audition on their own, it is perfectly understandable when some kids get very nervous and need the support of a parent in the room. If this is the case, the contestant can bring one parent into the auditioning room.

Is this competition a public event?

Yes. Although the first round of auditions are closed auditions, media personnel are invited to get footage of the competition and interview contestants. They will not, however, be in the closed audition space.

The semi-final competitions are a public event as well. They will be taking place on stage at Eau Claire Market’s Centre Court on October 24th and 31st.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED A
SIGNED MEDIA RELEASE FORM FROM YOU.

When will I know the date and time of my audition?

Audition dates are September 26th and 27th, October 4th and 5th, and October 11th and 12th.  I will know the exact date and approximate time of each contestant's audition by September 19th, and will email all contestants with this information in the days following.  This may happen sooner but I cannot confirm that just yet.

Will there be callbacks?

Yes.

Is the "Performance Enhancement & Stage Presentation" Weekend Workshop mandatory?  

Although this weekend workshop is a fun and exciting way to further develop your stage skills, it is not mandatory at all.  The workshop runs independently of the Junior Idol competition and is open to anyone (not just Junior Idol contestants) interested in learning more about performing on stage.  Registration for this workshop has no effect on the results of the competition, as our judges will not be at the workshop.

Do the contestants use a microphone in the audition?

There is a microphone but it will not be turned on for auditions. Contestants are invited to use the microphone as a prop in the auditions.

How are the auditions judged?

The judges rate each performance on 3 categories: personality, power, and overall presentation. Each of these categories is judged on a scale from 1 to 10, for a final score out of 30.

What are the prizes?

There are prizes for the finalists, however, I'm sorry I cannot disclose what they are before the semi-finals as we have an obligation to our sponsors.

Now that I’m registered for CJI, what is my next step?

The next step is to prepare for the audition.

Are there any future obligations of the finalist or winner of this competition?
 
We do not have future obligations for our winners.  What we do offer are possible opportunities as they present themselves.  In the past our winners have had TV and radio interviews and one of our winners had enjoyed the opportunity of a family trip to Vegas to perform.

How long do the kids sing for in the Semi Finals and in the Finals, and how many songs do they sing?

For the semi-finals and finals, contestants sing for two and a half minutes. Each contestant will sing two songs with at least one of the songs being an upbeat, faster-paced tune.