LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood Arts Commission and Lynnwood Parks and Recreation Foundation proudly present Lynnwood Idol, a solo singing competition open to students, living or attending school within the Edmonds School District boundaries. Singers will compete in one of two categories: grades K-5th or grades 6th-12th. Free to apply. Each winner will receive a $500 prize and opportunity to perform at Lynnwood CELEBRATE!
Judging will be in 2 rounds. First round is judged by online video submission. Second round, the Finals audition, will be judged in person. Singers MUST be available for both Finals audition (June 1) and performance (June 27), to be eligible to win.
Apply no later than April 30, 2025. Go to https://us.openforms.com/Form/f919ee54-a1e3-48df-9c38-0a7c9bf64248
Audition Judging
The Lynnwood Arts Commission will view the video submissions and select 10 finalists from each age category and 2 alternates per category. A panel of judges who have music and performance backgrounds will be at the Finals audition and select 1 winner and 1 runner-up from each age category.
Judges will select based on singing and performance: ability to sing pitches accurately, use good vocal technique, express the song’s emotions, use clear diction and effectively tell the story of the song.
Lynnwood Idol Key Dates
| April 30 | Deadline to apply and submit video |
| May 15 | Finalists announced (10 per age category) |
| June 1 | In-person Finals audition / competition |
| June 27, 6-9pm | 2 Winners perform at Lynnwood CELEBRATE! |
Finals Details – June 1
Finalist auditions will be on June 1 at the Edmonds College Black Box Theatre. It is open and free for anyone to attend. Free parking in Lots O & P. https://www.edmonds.edu/campus-life/black-box-theater/ Finals schedule is as follows:
| 10:15-10:45am | Grades K-5th | Sound check – 1st group of 10 singers |
| 11am | Grades K-5th | 1st group performs |
| 12:30pm | Grades K-5th | Announce winner / alternate for 1st group |
| Lunch break | ||
| 1:15 – 1:45pm | Grades 6-12th | Sound check – 2nd group of 10 singers |
| 2pm | Grades 6-12th | 2nd group performs |
| 3:30 pm | Grades 6-12th | Announce winner / alternate for 2nd group |
Lynnwood Idol Song Selection
Songs may be from any genre, including but not limited to classical, Broadway, country, jazz, rock or pop. Good songs will show the singer’s voice well, and allow the singer to be expressive and lend themselves well to the performance. The same song MUST be used in the video auditions, finals, and performance. The Idol Committee reserves the right to reject any song with inappropriate or offensive content.
Song Length
2 minutes max. Backing tracks may be edited to reflect the song length. But songs need not be tailored to the song length limit as the song will automatically be stopped at the time limit. (see section on backing tracks for more information).
Backing Tracks
For the final auditions, one may edit the backing track to under 2 minutes. If no editing is done, the song will be faded out at 2 minutes.
FYI, examples of video/audio editing software are iMovie and Garage Band.
It is important for singers to have their music in a key that fits well with their singing range. Backing tracks music is often available in different keys. They can usually be found on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Music by looking for the ‘karaoke’ version of a song. The Idol Committee will be available to assist in procuring backing tracks if needed.
Accompaniment
Singers may be accompanied by recorded music or they can accompany themselves (not by 2nd person). Instrument can be carried into the audition space. NO A cappella songs. Only ONE mic will be provided at Finals.
Tips for making an audition video
Watch this video for tips: https://youtu.be/0s49w0OMH6c?si=eo6S7v4D7BbFux6G or or go to YouTube and search for “Lynnwood Idol Video Audition Tips”
Coaching
Between May 15 and May 30, finalists will have a chance to schedule a FREE coaching session with a professional singer to prepare for the Finals. More details to come.
Call Rules (Additional)
By entering this Call, “Applicant” agrees to be bound by the rules and the decisions of the City of Lynnwood “City”, which are final and binding in all respects and cannot be challenged or appealed.
Submitted info and videos will only be accessed by City Arts staff, Lynnwood Arts Commission, and judges. City will not post Applicant’s video publicly without getting permission first. City may require applicant to submit additional material. City is not responsible for the failure of any Applications not received. City reserves the right to select no one from the Applications. City reserves the right to select different number of Finalists in the 2 age categories.
INDEMNIFICATION: Applicant releases and shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City, their elected officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers for any and all claims, demands, losses, negligent acts or omissions, and liabilities (including costs and all attorney’s fees) to or by any and all persons and entities, including without limitation, their respective agents, licensees, or representatives, arising from, resulting from, or connected with this Call to the extent caused by the negligent acts, unlawful acts, errors or omissions of Applicant. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, this shall apply.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
