First Round Of Country Idol Judges Kick-Off 2013 Season At Vapor

Once again WGNA begins it's annual search for the best Country singers in the Northeast on Thursday, January 17 with Country Idol 2013 at Vapor in Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

Rotating guest judges will score 20 contestants per month based on stage presence, appearance, and vocals. The top 5 scoring contestants of the night will be invited back to the finals on Thursday, June 20, 2013 for a chance at $5,000.

The first round of judges to kick-off the 2013 season include radio legend Lou Roberts, Director of Entertainment at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, Kathleen Anderson and Award winning Elvis tribute artist, Drew Polsun.

Anderson, former General Manager of the Starlite Music Theater, a 3000 seat venue hosting acts such as the Judds, Reba, Charlie Daniels, and Willie Nelson and owner and operator of the Metro Nightclub in downtown Saratoga, is looking for a Country Idol who is "The total package!" Anderson tells us that she's looking for  "someone who owns the stage and the audience from the first note, strong vocals, and comes dressed to impress!"

Drew Polsun (pictured below), who performed as Elvis at the Las Vegas Hilton and has earned several awards, is looking for something unique. "A voice that has a certain quality that stands out beyond others and is natural." Polsun continues with this advice: "A Country Idol isn't just about the vocal ability either, they must be a wonderful entertainer as well. These abilities must seem effortless and connect with the audience. Connecting means when your not singing as well. One thing I have learned when your in the spotlight is, what happens between the songs is just as important as the song itself."

Future judges will include members of the New York Players, the Audiostars, Skeeter Creek, Richie Phillips and other media and entertainment industry professionals.