Hampton Idol Hopefuls Will Get Another Chance to Audition

The snow that fell in thick torrents last Friday kept away some, but not all hopeful competitors for the fifth annual Hampton Idol contest.

Friday was supposed to be the only chance for kids and teens in Southampton Town to audition for the vocal competition being held in March. Instead, the auditions were cut short by an hour and a second audition was set for Friday, Jan. 14.

“We wanted to be fair to everyone who may have wanted to audition and couldn’t because of the snow,” said Nancy Lynott, director of Southampton Town Youth Bureau,  which sponsors Hampton Idol.

Auditions are the first hurdle to clear in the town-wide vocal competition. Students in grades seven through 12 are eligible to compete in the competition that is modeled after the television show "American Idol." Singers perform before a panel of judges and the audience gets to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Prizes are given for the top three spots.

Like the television show, each contestant sings one song with recorded or live accompaniment. After a first round, the top seven finalists are selected and sing again for a final showdown.  

This year competition will be held on March 26 at . In prior years, Hampton Idol has been held in Westhampton and Hampton Bays.

“We wanted to move the competition around to share it with all the Southampton Town communities,” Lynott said.

On Friday, 37 kids braved the weather and their nerves to sing before several music professionals and a panel of their peers. The judges heard songs by Alicia Keys, Vanessa Carlton, Martina McBride, Taylor Swift and Lee Ann Womack.

All of the kids interviewed had been on stage before in theater productions or school concerts, each said. Most, however, had never sung solo and wanted to give it a try.

“I thought this was a great opportunity to try out singing,” said Alyssa Ortiz of Hampton Bays. “I’ve been in musicals and I want to try this too.”

Ortiz will be on stage during the Hampton Bays School District's Hampton Bays Got Talent show when it’s rescheduled.

All the kids knew they enjoyed singing on stage and wanted to test their skills as soloists.

“I love being on stage,” said Emma Galasso, an eighth grader at Westhampton Beach Middle School. “I’ve been singing since I’m four. I’m very involved in theater so I thought this would be good for me.”

Regardless of whether they pass the first hurdle, the students said singing the best they can in front of the judges is an experience worth having.

“If I don’t make it, I can also try next year,” said Danielle Nill, a ninth grader at Westhampton Beach High School.

Next Friday’s audition is by appointment only. Auditions should be scheduled by calling 631-702-2417.