Skeeter Creek Member Joins Country Idol – Northeast Talent Search At Vapor

We have begun Country Idol's search for the next $5,000 winner at Vapor in Saratoga Casino and Raceway.  The next round of auditions happens on Thursday, March 28 with our rotating panel of guest judges.

This month we welcome guest judges Tony Gambaro of The New York Players, Joe Kulewicz of Skeeter Creek and GNA's Lou Roberts. Gambaro, who once worked with Bobby Vinton and Ben E. King, is a member of one of the Northeast's favorite party bands. Kulewicz formed Skeeter Creek in 2002, and has since opened for acts like George Jones, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts and Montgomery Gentry. Roberts comes to us with over 40 years of radio experience, including 24 at GNA.

To help our contestants prepare, we've asked Joe and Lou what they are looking for in a Country Idol. Don't forget to pre-register for a guaranteed spot to sing by clicking here.

Joe - "In a Country Idol I am listening, more than looking. It's the tone, uniqueness, and appeal of his/her voice. The entertainment value of the performance would be the next thing I'd look for. I feel a professional appearance and charismatic personality are also important traits in a Country Idol."

Lou - "I generally will not look at the person when they're introduced and walk on stage. That way I can get an idea of how well they can sing. Then after a few seconds when I start watching them, I look for how they're dressed and make sure that the outfit matches the genre (in this case-Country). The next thing I watch for is their stage presence. This includes how much the performer "plays" for the crowd. No one wants to see someone just standing there and sing. you can have the best voice in the world, but if you're not playing for the people that are watching, you will be cut. I also want to make sure that the performer isn't just showing off to just us (the judges). You're playing for a roomful of people. I would suggest that when you're on stage, OWN IT! That's your time to shine, also have fun doing it. Make it fun for you AND the audience."

Remember, even if you don't sing, you're welcome to come cheer on your favorites, listen to some great country music, enjoy Budweiser specials and line dance on the big dance floor all night. Vapor is 21 and over with no cover charge.

Final Auditions for Country Idol 2013

Thursday, March 28
Thursday, April 18
Thursday, May 16
Finals- Thursday, June 20

* Dustin Lynch will appear at a special Budweiser Country Night at Vapor on Thursday, May 2.