Rocket to the Stars singing competition to debut

Staff report

NEW WILMINGTON, PA.

The Rocket to the Stars singing competition debuts this Friday with the first regional audition from 6 to 10 p.m. at Orr Auditorium on the campus of Westminster College, New Wilmington. Registration begins at 5 p.m.

Individuals 15 to 28 years of age on July 9 may compete for a chance to win travel and hotel accommodations to attend this summer’s auditions for “American Idol.” All contestants must show photo identification in the form of a driver’s license or a student-identification card. Any contestant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who also must show identification. Other forms of acceptable identification include learning permits for driving or birth certificates. There is a $10 registration charge to compete.

Three to five contestants from the Westminster College audition will advance to the semifinals at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle, Pa., May 27. Those not advancing may audition again at any of the other remaining audition sites:

Slippery Rock University, multipurpose room: April 2, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sharon Area High School, auditorium: April 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Community College of Beaver County, dome: April 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Six semifinalists chosen at the Scottish Rite Cathedral will move on to the final show at the Fireworks Festival on July 9 in New Castle. The three-hour event will include text-message voting and will be broadcast live on Froggy 95-FM.

For more information and rules and regulations, go to FireworksCapitalofAmerica.com, or call Lawrence County Tourism at 724-654-8408.