What is “The Rhythm of Ek Shaam - Idol 2008”? “The Rhythm of Ek Shaam - Idol 2008” [TROE] is a singing competition hosted by Ek Shaam Raksha Ke Naam, an evening benefiting Raksha. This is an attempt to showcase the best singing talent in and around the metro Atlanta area. Participants will compete in two categories, Adult [ages 15 and above] and Junior [Ages 7 through 14]. Ten adults and five juniors will compete in the finals to win the singing title in each category. How do I qualify to audition for TROE 2008? You need to be over 15 years of age as of September 20th, 2008 to qualify for the Adult category. You need to be between 7 and 14 years of age as of September 20th, 2008 to qualify for the Junior category. How do I audition for TROE 2008? There are two rounds of auditions for TROE 2008: Round 1: This round of auditions is FREE. You can audition by any one of the following ways: 1. On Radio: You can audition on SpiceRadio [Channel AM 1040] on May 17th & 31st between 6PM and 7PM by calling 770-242-1221. The Radio Jockey [RJ] will take your information and ask you to sing a song or two. Your song will be recorded and then listened to by the judges at a later time. You will be contacted by July 1st if you get selected for the second round of auditions. 2. By CD: Record your voice [preferably on a karaoke track] on two songs and mail the CD to: Raksha, Attn: Auditions, P.O. Box 12337, Atlanta, GA 30355. You will be contacted by August 1st if you get selected for the second round of auditions. 3. At the EkShaam Pre-Show: Raksha will be hosting a Pre-Show [curtain raiser] event on Friday, August 8th at The Palace restaurant [6131 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross GA 30092]. This event is FREE for all. This event will showcase the finalists of last year’s singing competition. You can interact with them and get tips on how to make it to the finals this year. In addition, the stage will be open for anyone to sing their favorite songs. Bring along your karaoke tracks and rock the stage! You will be contacted by August 10th if you get selected for the second round of auditions. Note: Provide your name, contact phone and email when you audition. Round 2: Participants who qualify in the 1st round of auditions will be invited to the second round. Auditions will take place on Saturday, August 16th (5 PM onwards)and Sunday, 24th (12 noon onwards)at the Global Mall. You will need to fill out a registration form[click here to download] and pay a $20 registration fee. You will need to come prepared with 2 songs of different genres [slow, fast] on [preferably] karaoke CD tracks. The judges will ask you to sing 1 stanza of 1 or 2 songs. 10 adults and 5 juniors will be selected for the finals on September 20th. Can I audition multiple times? Sure ! For round 1, you can audition as many times as you wish for FREE. For instance, you may not be sure how you will sound of Radio so you can give that a try and also audition in person at the pre-show event. For round 2, you will be expected to pay the registration fee of $20 the number of times you audition. What are the important dates to remember? WHEN? WHAT? WHERE? May 17th & May 31st [6PM to 7PM] Round 1 auditions on SpiceRadio SpiceRadio May 15th - July 10th Round 1 auditions by mail Postal Mail August 8th Round 1 live auditions at pre-show event The Palace Restaurant, Norcross August 16th & 24th Round 2 auditions Global Mall, Global Mall September 20th Finals Gwinnett Arts Center How will I be judged? You will be judged based on several criteria. Here are some areas to give you an idea: Pitch and Tone: This area will carry 35% weight. Judges will gauge consistency in pitch, and voice quality. Rhythm: This area will carry 20% weight. Judges will gauge the consistency of rhythm and how well the singer keeps to the beat. Expression: This area will carry 20% weight. Judges will gauge how well the singer conveys the mood of the song, with what feel the song is sung and the expressions conveyed by the singer. Presentation: This area will carry 15% weight. Judges will gauge how well the singer gathers audience attention, her/his confidence and energy with which the song is sung. Additional Credits: This area will carry 10%. Judges will give additional credits for innovations, song selection, song difficulty, voice range etc. Note: Judge’s decision will be final. Please trust their judgment and avoid any arguments concerning the selection process. The judges will be glad to provide feedback during and/or after the auditions. Can winners from previous years participate? Most certainly! Are professionals allowed to participate? Yes. The competition is open to all that meet age requirements. Can I sing songs in regional languages? Yes. You can sing in any language. I live outside the Metro Atlanta area. Can I participate? Yes, Of course! What is the cost of registration? The first round of auditions is absolutely FREE. Contestants who qualify for the 2nd round of auditions will pay a registration fee of $20. This is the best way to serve the community while enjoying your hobby.