Nine contestants advance in Woodlands Idol second preliminary round

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – On Oct. 3, 29 contestants performed and nine winners were selected at the second of three preliminary rounds of the Eighth Annual The Woodlands Idol contest held at Crescent Moon Wine Bar in Spring.

The nine winners chosen by a panel of judges were: Al Acosta, Terri Blake, Nessa Dixon, Sierra Gant, Sammy Jo, Kelli McCarthy, James Oddo, Shelly Ray Owen and Nicholas Turk. The People’s Choice Text-to-Vote winner was Heather Emola. These contestants will now advance to the semi-finals held at the Crighton Theater in Conroe on Nov. 7. The semi-finals will showcase the top 30 contestants who made it through the preliminary rounds.

Contestants have the chance to win one of three cash prizes, ranging from $1,500 for first place, $750 for second place and $500 for third place, as well as develop potential new opportunities to showcase their musical talents.

The next and final preliminary round is Friday, Oct. 17 at Crescent Moon Wine Bar, 440 Rayford Road, Ste. 115A, Spring, TX 77386. There are currently 18 individuals pre-registered and registration is limited to the first 30 contestants. Ashley Byers, director of special events for The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce said, “Due to the enormous popularity of The Woodlands Idol and the fact that this is our last preliminary round, we expect to sell out.” Byers encourages participants to pre-register online at www.thewoodlandsidol.com to guarantee a spot.

Contestant fees are $10 online and $15 at the door. The final preliminary competition will be held on Friday, October 17.

Previous IDOL winners include: Julia Cole, Aaron DelBosque, RL, Marlies Fitch Ledbetter, Frankie Pizano, Kalli Roan and Jon Sheptock.

The Woodlands Idol, now in its eighth year, is hosted by The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on The Woodlands Idol and contest rules, visit the website.