Performers rehearse for HIT Idol

By TOM STANKARD

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Ironwood - Participants for the fifth season of HIT Idol are in the final stages of rehearsing for the big day on Friday.

Beginning in October, following auditions, 34 performers have been rehearsing "quite well."

This week, co-producer Annette Burchell said rehearsals have been "very intense."

"Tomorrow, we have a tech rehearsal and on Thursday, we have a full dress run," she said.

For the show on Friday, Burchell said the performers will perform in a group and also perform a solo act for a panel of judges who will select two winners for three categories.

Like in years past, performers will divided into either a youth category for grades 5 through 8, a high school category or an adult category."

To prepare for solo acts, Burchell said each performer comes for private lessons.

"We help guide them with stage direction, the proper way to hold microphones," she said.

Burchell said this year's staff is great and helps guide performers to "shine."

Performers on stage will range in experience from new participants to seasoned veterans.

Grace Grewe, 14, of Ironwood, will perform in HIT Idol for the first time. Grewe said she's seen the show a lot and wanted to conquer stage fright. During her audition, Grewe said it "wasn't bad."

"Both the ladies are very nice people," she said. "They said 'I did really amazing' and asked 'why haven't I auditioned before?'"

During rehearsals, Grewe said she's learned "all kinds of stage techniques." On Friday, Grewe is going going to perform "Cut" by Christian singer Plumb.

"I know a lot of people who it relates to and it's a really serous thing that people need to hear about."

Now in her fifth year performing, Madeline Gabka, Bessemer, 17, said she has had a great experience participating.

"It's been a lot of fun," she said. "Every year, I've done a different genera."

Gabka said she comes from a musical family.

"It's not an option to not like music," she said jokingly. "I wouldn't be the kind of musician I am without my musical background."

Growing up, Gabka said her parents have encouraged her to keep practicing.

"They've been very supportive of all my endeavors," she said.

When Gabka takes the stage on Friday, she said she will sing "Nobody's Fault but Mine" by Beth Rowley.

"I really enjoy it. It's something different that I haven't sang before," she said. "I though it's a cool song."

Since she started auditioning, Gabka said she has gained " more of confidence."

"When I first started, I was really nervous," she said. "They've helped me put that at ease. It was really helpful."

Based on what she has seen, co-producer Janie Williams said she is impressed by this year's performers.

"I feel really good about the finalists and their ability to ability to put on a great show - it's going to be awesome."

HIT Idol will be presented at the Historic Ironwood Theatre at 7 p.m. on Friday. Then n Saturday, the winners will be immediately announced following a performance by American Idol Season 10 finalist, James Durbin.

Since the singing competition began five years ago, co producer Janie Williams said HIT Idol has gotten more popular every time.

"The kids get to perform with a professional, that gets people out," she said. "But really, the community loves coming to support these kids on Friday night. This is a regional competition and families come to support them. Last year, we were sold out."

Tickets are on sale for HIT Idol and James Durbin at the box office; by phone at 906-932-0618 or online at ironwoodtheatre.net.