Broadneck Singers Among Finalists for Annapolis Idol

Two Broadneck-area singers have qualified as finalists for the fifth annual Annapolis Idol competition to be held in March.

Ryan Connor and Kaeti Bradley, both from Arnold, will use their vocal talents along with 12 other contestants chosen from around Anne Arundel County when they compete on March 4 in Annapolis. 

The winner will be chosen by a panel of local celebrity judges including Larry Griffin from Mama Jama and We Care; Michael Hughes, vice president of WRNR; and last year’s Annapolis Idol winner, Suzy Estrada. But judges won't be the only ones determining the winner. Like the hit show the competition is based on, the audience will have a vote.

Winners will receive a chance to record a hit song in a professional recording studio, a gift certificate and cash prize. 

The competition will take place at Wild Willy’s Rock House & Sports Saloon, 2072 Somerville Rd. in Annapolis, from 5-8 p.m. on March 4.

A $45 ticket includes two drinks, hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and a chance to vote for the top choice in the final round. The price per ticket goes up to $55 after Feb. 27. Tickets can be purchased from the Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center website at www.aacrc-md.us or by calling 410-266-9033.

Proceeds benefit The Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center, a nonprofit that provides free conflict resolution services to promote community peace through non-violent resolution of conflicts and disputes throughout Anne Arundel County. 

The full press release:

Annapolis Idol is proud to announce its slate of 14 finalists for Annapolis Idol 2012, to be held at Wild Willy’s Rock House & Sports Saloon, 2072 Somerville Road, from 5 to 8 p.m. March 4.

Finalists are: Kevin Beans from Riva; Kaeti Bradley and Ryan Connor from Arnold; Kathleen Brasington and David Mitchell from Annapolis; Darby E. Dewitt from Chester; Amanda Rae Jensen from Churchton; Andrew Nichols from Accokeek; Glenn Noyes and Priscilla Upperman from Davidsonville; James Smith and Rob Spengler from Severn; and Lauren Holden and Laura Young-Nickey from Baltimore.

Contestants will show off their singing talents before a live audience of more than 200 guests and a panel of three local celebrity judges: Larry Griffin from Mama Jama and We Care; Michael Hughes, vice president of WRNR; and last year’s Annapolis Idol, Suzy Estrada.

Both celebrity judges’ decisions and audience votes will help determine the Annapolis Idol, who will win a professional recording session at LSP Studios, a $100 gift certificate to the Guitar Center in Glen Burnie and a cash prize.

The featured guest artists are The Four Idols, a coming-together of the Annapolis Idols from the first four years, who will entertain the audience while votes are being counted.

Tickets to Annapolis Idol are $45 or $40 each for a book of 10 ($55 after Feb. 27) and include two free drink tickets, hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and a chance to vote for your top choice in the final round. Tickets can be purchased from the Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center website at www.aacrc-md.us or by calling 410-266-9033.

Fifty percent of the ticket price is tax-deductible as a donation to AACRC. Additional information can be found at www.annapolisidol.com [not working as of 2/21/12].