At Monday night’s Demopolis City Board of Education meeting all the wheels were put in motion to host the Marengo County Idol contest at Demopolis Middle School. The board approved a one-night lease agreement, which opened the door for Wayne Kirk and J.B. Warren to officially begin preparations.

Two big names have already been added as special celebrity judges. Amy Kelley, the Producer of WAKA’s CBS 8 This Morning and CBS 8 News at Noon, along with Ashley Paige, Anchor of CBS 8 This Morning and CBS 8 News at Noon will be on hand to help select a winner in the contest.

Kirk said the special guests decided to come on board after being very impressed by a performance given by last years winner. Marjorie Walker, winner of the 2004 Marengo County Idol title performed at the station and wowed the cast.

“She was up there on May 2 and everyone was very impressed by her,” Kirk said. “I told them we had quite a few talented people here and told them about the contest.”

Kirk said Walker was originally only supposed to perform for a small stint, but once the cast heard her they asked for more.

“She was only supposed to sing for about 20 seconds,” Kirk said. “But then they told the operator to keep going and they were very impressed by the show. They were also really anxious about getting own here to see the local talent for themselves.”

Marengo County Idol has been officially set for Aug. 6 at 5 p.m. at the middle school. The winner will be awarded a trophy from The God Mine and will be sponsored by the Marengo County Idol Association to attend an audition for the next American Idol contest.

Sponsorship will include travel and lodging for four nights only. Meals will be the responsibility of the contestant and chaperone.

Marengo County Idol has asked all participants keep in mind the contest is not affiliated with the American Idol show and selection for participation in the American Idol contest is not guaranteed.

Participants in the second annual Marengo County Idol should be 16 to 28 years old and should be solo acts only. No rap will be allowed and songs should not exceed three minutes. Appropriate dress is required and no explicit lyrics or profanity will be allowed.

A nonrefundable $20 entry fee is required for contestants. Tickets will be $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

For more information please contact Kirk at 289-2423 or Warren at 289-2092.