Jay Yager, Harold Ford, Dorrie Phillips Join Country Idol Judges Panel

There are only two chances left to compete and sing for the $5,000 grand prize in Country Idol 2013.

Thursday, April 18 is our second to last audition at Vapor in Saratoga Casino and Raceway for Country Idol 2013. Starting in January, contestants registered on-line at www.wgna.com for a spot to sing for the judges. Each month the top 5 scoring singers from each night advance to the finals on June 20, 2013.

This month's rotating panel of guest judges include Northeast entertainment icon Jay Yager from the Audiostars, Richie Phillips' other half Dorrie Phillips, and one of the nation's leading Johnny Cash tribute artists- Harold Ford.

Wonder what the judges are looking for? Yager says "A Country Idol winner represents the whole package of Country entertainment; the voice, the look, and the "it" factor that makes them memorable and magical on stage. Yes, they have to be able to sing. But more than that, they have to make me believe that they are a legitimate Country music star."

Harold Ford, a first time judge, tells us what he thinks makes a Country Idol winner, "Number one is the passion for their music. Number two is the willingness to put in the time and effort to take it all the way. And three, obviously there must be exceptional talent and confidence." Ford will open up the show with a sample of what you can expect to see at his Spirit of Johnny Cash show April 26 at Saratoga Music Hall.

You can register to sing for Country Idol by clicking here. The final audition rounds are held on Thursday, May 16 with the finals on Thursday, June 20, 2013.