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Arts & Entertainment

Contest Hopefuls Prepare for Run as 'American Icon'

Hundreds of contestants are preparing to audition for the Apple Harvest Festival's American Icon Competition.

Each year, more than 100 local performers sing their hearts out accapella style in hopes of becoming this year's American Icon.

The singing competition will return for a third year this fall, with even more popularity and diversity of applicants, said Icon coordinator Melissa Erickson.

"I think what's nice about it is it showcases new performers and talent," Erickson said. "What I find really beautiful is to watch some of the people who have always had the dream of performing, but never have until now-it's just such a nice moment to get up there and have that opportunity."

The competition is open to Connecticut residents aged nine and over. Erickson expects this year's panel of judges to hear 250 singers, narrowing the group down to 12 finalists who will finally perform during festival.

Aside from the excitement of entertaining thousands of festival attendees, the top finalist is awarded with $1,000 and various bookings to showcase their talent at local restaurants in Southington.

The winner will also receive professional recording studio time at Onyx Soundlab Recording and Production Studio. Monetary prizes and other booking opportunities will be awarded to the second and third place singers as well.

Former Icons like Jillian Caillouette and last year's Icon winner Michael Chemkus have seen impressive results since their Icon victories. Caillouette has been chosen for a program developing young artists and has performed at various venues.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Elementary School, 240 Main Street in Southington, at 10 a.m. Organizers said 12 finalists would be selected that day.

Cost for pre-registration is $35 and it costs $40 to audition.

The first live competition will be held on Saturday, October 1 from 5 – 6pm, at the main stage. The competition will continue during the festival on Sunday, Oct. 2 from 4 – 5 p.m., Friday, October 7 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8 from 2 – 3 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9 from 1 – 2 p.m. at which point a winner will be selected and announced.

Audience members will be able to vote for their favorite performer online at www.southingtonicon.com or at the Southington Icon voting booth located within the festival.

"I think the contest brings a unique aspect to the festival because it offers a variety of entertainment that brings a level of enthusiasm because there's voting involved," Apple Harvest Festival Coordinator Christopher Palmieri said. "It's been a huge success."

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