Meet Ramsey's DARE Idol Contestants

Season Nine of Ramsey DARE Idol is on.

A slate of 11 borough fifth graders – 10 finalists and one alternate – are set to compete for this year’s title at a sing off on Saturday, May 11, at 7 p.m. at Don Bosco Prep.

The singing contest is run by the Ramsey DARE program during its peer pressure unit. Kids go through a weeks-long audition process, and along the way pick up confidence and self-assurance.

This year, more than 100 kids from Dater and St. Paul's Interparochial School tried out for Ramsey DARE Idol. Those who will perform next Saturday have already made it through several rounds of tough competition.

A live audience vote will determine the winner.

About a thousand locals typically attend the event. Tickets are $15, must be purchased online before the event, and are selling fast. As of Saturday morning, there were only 251 left.

The DARE Idol show has won widespread accolades, with prior winners each being invited to sing at Atlantic City Casino’s and Nashville, TN. Past Ramsey Idols have wowed local crowds on Ramsey Day and sung the national anthem at the annual DARE v. Wizards basketball games. The success of the Ramsey DARE Idol program itself was officially recognized in 2009 by DARE N.J. and nationally in 2011 by DARE America.

Scroll through the gallery above to see this year’s competitors, and what they had to say about the upcoming Idol performances.

Submit your questions or news tips to jessica.mazzola@patch.com. And, remember to sign up for Ramsey Patch's daily newsletter, and get updates on Facebook and Twitter.