Do people always say you should sing on the stage? Do neighbors gather outside your windows to hear your shower selections? Does your company save money at functions by asking you to sing instead?

Then it’s high time you received the fame and fortune you deserve by auditioning to become the area’s very own Charlotte Idol. Auditions will take place April 12 at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County beginning at 6 p.m. A specially selected panel of independent “celebrity” judges will choose 10 finalists to compete on Finals Night on April 19 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, again at 6 p.m.

Members of the audience will vote for their favorites on Finals Night, with any ties broken by the judges.

Final winners will receive prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.

Auditions are free for performers and for finalists. Spectator tickets are $25 for Audition Night on April 12 and $75 for Finals Night on April 19. Tables of 10 are also available for $750. Audition Night will include heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Finals Night will include a dinner buffet and cash bar, highlight footage from the auditions and a silent auction. Michael Riley of the BoogieMen will be the emcee.

Proceeds from Charlotte Idol will benefit the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition.

“The funds will help the Coalition shelter and transition families,” said Michael Overway of the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition. “We have 250 to 275 kids come through the shelter with their families every year.”

In addition to emergency shelter and food, the Homeless Coalition provides case management services to help clients obtain driver’s licenses and necessary forms, assists them in applying for veterans’ benefits, disability, Medicare and Medicaid, and refers them to other agencies for help in finding job training, rehabilitation or counseling.

Charlotte Idol organizers are looking for 50 singers to audition. So far, the youngest who has registered is 10, the oldest is in his late 50s. All ages are welcome.

Contact Overway for auditions. Be sure to give your name, address, phone number, age and your top three song choices. Music will be provided for the auditions. Please understand that this is not a karaoke contest, but a live singing contest similar to the nationally televised “American Idol” but with a hometown vibe.

For more information, an audition appointment or tickets for either night, contact Overway at 941-883-1890 or michael.overway@cchomeless
coalition.org. Tickets for Audition Night are also available at the Cultural Center box office.