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Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and the Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation announced Wednesday that this year's search will get underway for the next great young singers to compete in February for the titles of Yonkers Junior Idol 2017 and Yonkers Idol 2017.
Last year's Idol winner Susanna Stepanyan said it was a great jumping off point for her career and an honor to be able to represent Yonkers at so many events.
"Like millions of people during childhood, I dreamed of becoming a singer," Stepanyan said.
The 19-year-old, who moved to the United States in 2010, currently attends the Music Conservatory of Westchester and was selected as the featured vocalist artist at the United Nations World Youth Assembly.
"Winning Idol was a big opportunity for me and it was a big pleasure for me to meet Mayor Mike Spano, and his crowd, especially Liam Mclaughlin, Mary Hoar, Untermeyer Performing Arts Council, Steve Sanson, Donna Davis, Marian Marji, and Sarah Hasso," she added.
Celebrating its 10th year, the three-round competition will kick off at the Nodine Hill Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 9:00 a.m. Yonkers residents are encouraged to register for the competition at www.YonkersNY.gov/YonkersIdol.
“Yonkers Idol is a wonderful tradition in our City bringing together the very best singing talent our City has to offer,” said Spano. “I’m impressed each year by the caliber of singers at such a young age and I look forward to attending the finale event each year.”
Those interested in auditioning must be between the ages of 15 to 19 to qualify for Yonkers Idol or between the ages of 10 to 14 to qualify for Yonkers Junior Idol.
First auditions will be a cappella and limited to one verse and one chorus of a song. All participants should be prepared to sing the National Anthem in addition to their auditions song. This is the most requested song for Idol winners and it is important for it to be sung correctly.
Winners will hold their title for a year and win $1,000, courtesy of the Untermyer Performing Arts Council Teresa Fund. The title provides performance opportunities at various City of Yonkers events throughout the year.
Call backs from the Feb. 11 audition are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 13. Location for call backs will be announced at a later date. The final round of competition will take place at a May 6 show, which is free and open to the public.
Call backs will audition a different song for the finale show. Online registration is required and open to Yonkers residents only. Walk-ins are welcome.
For more information on the competition please visit the City of Yonkers Departments of Parks, Recreation & Conservation at www.YonkersNY.gov. Parents may call from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 914-377-6444.
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