For Wayne Kirk, last years Marengo County Idol was a dream come true. Kirk had always wanted a way to showcase some of the outstanding young people in the community and was inspired by the television show American Idol. Kirk decided he could put together a link to the show for his hometown of Demopolis and the results were astonishing.

The first annual Marengo County Idol had a wonderful turnout and Kirk said he expects even more this year. Kirk said this was a way for him the help young talent in the area gets their name out.

“It is basically a way for us to showcase some of the talented people we have in Demopolis and the surrounding area,” Kirk said. “This just gives them the opportunity to showcase that talent.

Kirk said as an ex-police officer he understands the need to support the youth of Marengo County. Kirk said this program is a great way to do just that.

“We have a lot of people around town that support the kids,” Kirk said. “I am retired from being a police officer and I have seen it all the time. Kids need something to do. They need something positive to do and they need support.”

Winning the Marengo County Idol contest is just the beginning. The winner of this program will be given a shot and the big show. Kirk said for this reason they follow the same requirements as the television program.

“The age criteria is the same as the television version of American Idol because we send the winner to try out,” Kirk said. “Last year our winner was Margie Walker. She won it last year and we sent her to New Orleans. We always send them to the closest place. If that is in New York then we will find a way to send them there with the help of the sponsors and private donations.”

Kirk said the program is shooting for August 6 at 5 p.m. in the Demopolis Middle School gymnasium. Tickets for the event will be $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Arrangements to host the event in the gym are still in the works, but looking good.

The qualifications for the contest are simple. Anyone age 16 to 28 is eligible provided they are a solo act and keep their songs at three minutes or less. There will be no rap and no explicit lyrics allowed and a $20 entry fee will be required.

Kirk said there would still be a chance for those who are not old enough to compete to show their skills.

“We will have some shows showcasing some of the younger people as well during the intermission,” Kirk said. “That will be for the people who are too young to compete in the regular contest.”

Last years winner is proof that Marengo Idol can give performers exposure. On Monday May 2 last year’s Marengo County Idol winner, Margie Walker, will be featured on WAKA’s CBS * This Morning along with DJ “Daddy” (Gus Weiss). The show will air at 6:15 a.m.

Weiss will discuss his role in last year’s Marengo County Idol contest and this summer’s upcoming contest. Walker will also describe what she experienced as last year’s winner and how she got to travel to New Orleans to audition for American Idol.

Walker will also perform the song she sang at the American Idol audition. Walker said overall, her participation in Marengo Idol was a good experience.

“I had a lot of fun as far as Marengo Idol is concerned,” Walker said. “I appreciate everything they did for me by sending me to New Orleans to compete. They really are doing a good thing.”

For more information on how to get involved or support Marengo County Idol please call Kirk at 334-289-2423 or J.B. Warren at 334-289-2092.