HIT Idol prepares to take stage

IRONWOOD - Over the past week, 45 area youth have been fine-tuning their performances for the annual HIT Idol competition on Friday.

The contestants from across the area will perform in vocal competition at the Historic Ironwood Theatre, hoping to win the chance to open for American Idol season 10 finalist Naima Adedapo.

The competition takes place on Friday at 7 p.m., featuring youth in grades five through eight, high school students and young adults aged 17-29. Two contestants in each category will be selected.

Winners will be announced before Adedapo's show on Saturday at 7 p.m.

"The amount of work they have put in, whether with their one-on-one practices or group rehearsals, they have been working so hard," Bruce Greenhill, HIT managing director, said.

New this year, the theater has purchased more sound and lighting equipment for the show, something Greenhill is proud to display for the local contestants.

More than 60 adult volunteers help the contestants, including vocal instruction, choreography and make-up.

One thing Greenhill has noticed over the past few weeks of rehearsals is the camaraderie between students, despite the competition.

"There is such incredible support for one another," Greenhill said. "This provides an opportunity for these students to interact with each other, when they normally would not be able to. The experience is pretty special."

According to Greenhill, what he likes to see is the "youthful spirit" in the theater.

"It's always great to have activity in the theater," he said. "It's always nice to have the lights on in here, instead of just on Saturdays during a show."

Tickets are still available for both shows. There are no reserved seats during Friday's show, and Saturday's show features a limited amount.