If you think you have the best voice in the Lake Oconee area, then the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) and Putnam Greene Young Professionals (PGYP) are giving you the chance to prove it.

“We’re very excited about our first Oconee Idol competition and eager to see all the talent that exists in this area,” said OPAS business director Ginger Dimascio. OPAS is also looking forward to partnering with PGYP for this incredible singing competition. Oconee Idol auditions will be held at Festival Hall Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. The winner of Oconee Idol will have the opportunity to open the show for American Idol finalist, Melinda Doolittle, when she takes the stage at Festival Hall on Oct. 12.

Contestants must be between the ages 16 and 40, live in Putnam, Greene or Morgan Counties, and they must be available to perform at Doolittle Sings and OPAS Swings on Oct. 12.

“This is an amateur competition offered to give the hidden talent in Putnam, Greene, and Morgan counties a chance to shine, meaning contestants must not have a recording contract,” said Dimascio.

Local judges, Jeffrey Wells of OPAS, Gene Yaws of Festival Hall and Rainy Gallagher of Eatonton-Putnam Arts Foundation are looking for the contestant with the best voice, best stage presence and best entertainment value.

“I know that there is amazing talent in this area and I can’t wait to hear the auditions,” said Wells.

Contestants will sing one song of their choice a capella but must be prepared with an additional song. All singing must be done as a solo.     

In order to participate in the Oconee Idol competition, contestants must complete the online application by Sept. 1. Applications can be found on the OPAS website at www.opas.org., the OPAS Facebook page, www.facebook.com/OPASarts, or the PGYP Facebook page, www.facebook.com/PutnamGreeneYP. For more information contact the OPAS office at 706-467-600 or e-mail Dimascio at gdimascio@opas.org.