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U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen will get the opportunity of a lifetime to sing with a professional band, USAFE’s Touch n’Go Ensemble, while competing in the USAFE Idol Talent Contest April 23 here.
While the judges may not be as harsh as Simon Cowell or as famous as Paula Abdul, participants will be given an equally rewarding experience – the chance to be the next ‘USAFE Idol.’
“The USAFE Idol Talent Contest is open to all active-duty Airmen assigned to USAFE units,” said Mandy Smith-Nethercott, USAFE Services.
“There will be eight wing-level contests that will judge solo vocal performances,” she said. “The first-place winner of the wing-level contests will proceed to Ramstein in April to compete at the USAFE level.”
This event is an opportunity to provide quality entertainment while showcasing the talent of USAFE Airmen.
“The USAFE Idol Contest is an excellent opportunity for our stars to shine,” said Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong, USAFE commander. “I have traveled all over the command and seen some incredible talent, and this contest will provide a great venue to highlight our Airmen’s singing abilities as well as provide a morale boost for our USAFE family.”
The USAFE command chief has also witnessed the command-wide talent.
“We’ve heard our folks perform the National Anthem at base events, we’ve watched opening acts and various talent contests, and even seen Airmen participate in karaoke nights who are not afraid to get up and embarrass themselves,” said Chief Master Sgt. Gary Coleman, USAFE command chief master sergeant. “We know that some of our Airmen have untapped talents and, if given the opportunity, will amaze us all.”
USAFE Idol contestants will not only need to be talented, but will also be expected to follow specific guidelines.
“Each contestant will be required to have two songs prepared for the contest. Both songs will be performed at the wing and USAFE level,” said Ms. Smith-Nethercott. “The use of pre-recorded music will not be authorized since the Touch n’ Go ensemble from the USAFE Band will provide live musical accompaniment during both wing and USAFE-level contests.”
A panel of three judges will be used to evaluate Airmen at both levels. Once the contestants progress to the USAFE-level, they will be evaluated on technical excellence, showmanship and treatment and interpretation of material by an additional group of judges selected by the command staff, said Ms. Smith-Nethercott.
“There will be no “Simon” judging these contests,” said Chief Coleman. “The idea isn’t to get audience ratings, so you won’t see the commercialism that’s out there. It will also not be a critical evaluation of the members in our command, but an appreciation and recognition of those members who have absolutely superior talent.”
All wing-level winners who proceed to the USAFE-level will receive three days of performing arts workshops and rehearsals hosted by the USAFE Band. The April 23 competition will yield an ultimate winner.
“The chief and I are looking forward to the competition and are going to make every effort to visit all the wing-level contests,” said General Foglesong. “We’re hoping to get a lot of folks excited and ready for a highly competitive USAFE Idol Talent Contest.”
