'Senior American Idol' to Take Stage May 14

Orland Township’s “Senior American Idol” will feature the most talented singers among south suburban seniors, including a chamber executive who croons Rat Pack standards, a harmonica-playing obstetrician, and a mom of four who never let her passion for musical theater fade.

The third annual performance competition on Thursday, May 14, will raise funds for the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation, which provides college scholarships to area high school students. Fifteen contestants, ages 55 and older, will compete for a $250 cash prize and the coveted title of “Senior Idol” before an estimated audience of 800 guests at Georgios Banquets, 8800 W. 159th Street.

Tickets are $30 each and on sale now; please contact Orland Township at (708) 403-4222 to purchase them. Tickets are available by advance purchase only.

“Senior American Idol is not only a terrific event for our seniors but it also supports scholarships for local college-bound students, bringing benefits to the Orland Township community as a whole. We’re looking forward to another success this year,” said Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady. “This has become one of our most popular intergenerational events for a reason. Come out and join us in support of these great singers performing for a great cause.”

Kevin Grace of HGTV’s Design Star and Windy City Live fame will emcee, while Chicago radio personality Rich Renik will join “American Idol” alums Gina Glocksen and Kyle Dee at the judges’ table.

“I’m delighted to emcee this event for the third year in a row,” said Grace, who also is a Set Designer for The Steve Harvey Show. “It’s a celebration of local senior talent, a tribute to American standards, and a fantastic way to help support local youth pursuing a higher education. When these ladies and gentlemen step onto the stage and break into song, we are all in for a great time.”

Contestants next Thursday evening will treat our guests to such classics as “Dancing in the Street,” “Mack the Knife,” “Mountain Music” and “There’s No Business like Show Business.” For biographical details of the emcee, judges and performers, please click here and here.

The talented finalists were chosen following auditions in February. For video clips from the auditions, click here.

Past winners of “Senior American Idol” include the late Tom Mezyk of Orland Park and Joe McElligott of Tinley Park.

Cocktails will be served at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner for guests at 5:30 p.m. Performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call (708) 403-4222 or visit Orland Township online at orlandtownship.org.