MOUNT VERNON – Auditions for the 10th Annual Knox Idol competition will be held Wednesday, July 29 at 7:00 pm in ThePlace@TheWoodward, 120 South Main Street. Singers ages 14 to 29 are invited to sing their hearts out for a chance to compete at the Knox Idol competition held during the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival.

The Knox Idol competition showcases some of the leading vocal talent from Knox County. During auditions, contestants will perform a piece of their choice before a panel of qualified judges, who will select a handful of aspiring musical performers who will continue to the next round. During auditions Knox Idol contestants will have the option of accompanying themselves or using a recorded accompaniment for this vocal competition. A cappella performances are discouraged for auditions, and are prohibited in the final round.

Performers will compete in one of two categories: Youth (ages 14 to18) and Young Adult (ages 19 to 29). Four finalists will be chosen for each category. This year’s Young Adult first place receives a $1,000 cash prize, second place $100. The Youth first place award is $200, second place $50. Back by popular demand is a two-night Knox Idol competition. The Semi-Final round will take place at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival at 7:30 pm on Thursday evening, August 13 on the First-Knox South Stage. The Final round of the Knox Idol competition will take place at 8:00 pm on Friday, August 14 on the First-Knox Main Stage. Contestants will perform before a live audience during both rounds of the competition, who will determine the fate of each contestant. Ballot sets will be available for a $1 donation for those wishing to vote. All proceeds collected during Knox Idol will be donated to the Woodward Opera House restoration project.

Applications with rules and regulations for the Knox Idol competition can be found on the web at www.DanEmmettFestival.org or picked up at Harvest@TheWoodward, 105 South Main Street, Mount Vernon. Applications are due no later than Tuesday, July 28 prior to the audition. For additional assistance, call (740) 392-3378.