On the lookout for the first 'Hudson Idol'
By Angela Greiner Community Reporter

Hudson High School senior Kyle Woodburg has been busy preparing for the upcoming Hudson Idol competition. As one of the hosts of the event, Woodburg has been drumming up support for the fund-raiser through a series of comical commercials aired in the school. PHOTO/ANGELA GREINER

Hudson - Sipping hot tea and lemon, pacing, and deep breathing are a few of the activities that over 60 vocalists were involved in as they anxiously awaited their turn to audition March 4 for the "Hudson Idol Competition." Those who impressed the judges at the audition will be given the opportunity to compete at the live "Hudson Idol Competition" Friday March 14 in the Hudson High School auditorium beginning at 7 p.m.

Beth Ferns, the senior class advisor and a social studies teacher, explained that the event, modeled after the Fox television series "American Idol," is a fund-raising event for the senior class.

Business teacher Steve Martin, one of the judges, brought the idea to the school after being involved with a similar event at a diff erent school.

"The auditions will be just like on the television show," Ferns said. "Each performer will get a number and will have to perform in a closed videotaped audition for the panel of three judges." The judges, she explained, will assume the persona of the judges on "American Idol." Martin will play Randy Jackson, science teacher Judy Pavao will be Paula Abdul and graphics art teacher Bruce Hedison will assume the role of the brutally honest Simon Cowell.

"Hedison was born prepared to play the role of Simon," Ferns said.

With many of the musicians performing a cappella, the prospect of facing Hedison as a judge could be daunting, she warned.

"This is not for the faint of heart," she said.

Ferns has high hopes for the level of performance that will come from the contestants.

"We have several students who perform in the High School musicals and in the chorus; we know we have some real talent among the students and faculty," Ferns said.

After viewing the list of people auditioning, she suspects that some are getting involved as a spoof.

The event is being organized and run by seniors Kyle Woodburg and Matt Jacobs, who will share the responsibilities of hosting the show (the role of Ryan Seacrest) and have created entertaining commercials to promote the event and its first-place prize of $200.

Who will perform will be kept a secret from both the public and all who have auditioned because finalists will not be announced until the night of the show.

Because the show is a fundraiser, the senior class is hoping to sell out the 800-seat auditorium. Ferns said that the teachers and students who audition will need to be prepared to perform and bring their circle of friends and family to vote for them.

The finalists not chosen will have their moment in the spotlight when a video montage of the auditions will be shown while the votes are tallied.

With the goal of having fun and raising money to off set the expenses for senior-week activities like the senior cruise and family barbecue, the students are inviting all members of the community to attend what is promised to be an evening of entertainment.

Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased through the school or from a student in the senior class.