Tell me more (FAQs)...
1. What’s the deadline for entries?
We need to receive your complete application package by 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Sept. 12, 2008. Read the entry rules carefully and be sure to sign all necessary forms, and send that along with a $30 entry fee to Victoria Idol, c/o PEERS, 1-744 Fairview Rd., Victoria, B.C., V9A 5T9.
2. Who is eligible to enter?
(see Who can enter?)
3. How many finalists will be selected?
Our panel of judges will be holding live auditions Sept. 20 and 27, 2008 and then choosing 48 entries to proceed to Round One in October/November. Twenty-four of those finalists will then be selected to proceed to Round Two in the last week of November. And 12 of those finalists will be chosen to proceed to the main Victoria Idol event in January 2009.
4. What are the dates and locations of the playoffs?
Venues and dates are still being confirmed at this time–watch this Web site for more information in the Summer 2008.
5. Can my friends and family attend the playoffs?
Most definitely! And considering that applause adds up to 15 per cent additional marks to a contestant’s score, the more the merrier – the louder the applause, the better your score, so bring lots of supporters. Tickets will be available for purchase at Thrifty Foods or at the door on the night of the event (except for the finals).
6. Are duos, singing groups and bands eligible to enter?
Only solo performances by singers qualify for Victoria Idol. If you’re chosen as one of the 48 finalists to proceed to playoffs, please be aware that you’ll need to provide your own pre-recorded musical accompaniment for your performance.
7. Will I be on TV?
We're hoping to generate a lot of media interest in Victoria Idol, so all contestants should be prepared to have media attention. We anticipate that TV crews will be on site for all playoff events.
8. I’m under 16. Can I enter?
Yes, you can – but be sure you have your parent or guardian sign their permission on your application form.
9. Do I have to live in Victoria to enter?
No – despite the name, Victoria Idol is open to all Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands residents.
10. If selected as a contestant, do I need to provide
my own backup music for performances?
Yes, you do. We require that all finalists bring a pre-recorded, good-quality CD or cassette tape of music to accompany their song at playoff events. People can accompany themselves on acoustic piano or guitar at their performances, but must make all arrangements for bringing in their own instruments if the venue isn't equipped.
11. What’s the prize?
If you win Victoria Idol, you’ll be heading into Audio Garage on Discovery to record a three-song demo with the help of music producer Gordie Cheney. The prize, generously donated by Audio Garage, is valued at $5000.
12. What are the judging criteria?
Judges will be scoring on vocal quality, performance style and on-stage presence, and a choice of music that suits your voice. Be sure to encourage your supporters to attend the events you’re performing at, as you will get as much as 15 per cent additional marks added to your score for applause. We’ll have an “applause-o-meter”–a decibel reader–on hand at all events to measure the amount of clapping for each performance.
13. Are all music styles eligible?
All varieties of popular music are eligible for Victoria Idol. People can sing in any language. This probably isn’t the right venue for performing opera or classical music, however.
14. Where will the money from this event go?
This is a fundraiser for the Prostitutes Empowerment Education and Resource Society (PEERS). We’re a non-profit organization that supports Greater Victoria sex workers in improving their lives, through programs ranging from counseling and late-night outreach to housing advocacy and help with addictions.
100% of profits from Victoria Idol will go to PEERS, which will use the proceeds for its daytime and late-night outreach services on Victoria’s prostitution strolls and in the downtown.
15. I’ve still got questions – who can I talk to?
If you can’t find your answers on this web site, contact Victoria Idol producer Michelle Hayes at info@victoriaidol.com.
16. Do you need volunteers?
We sure do! Contact Victoria Idol producer Michelle Hayes at info@victoriaidol.com if you’d like to help out at any of the events.
