By AMANDA JAMES

aaj006@latech.edu

 

Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino and Carrie Underwood were once names the average person did not recognize. But after “American Idol” hit the air, the names and careers of these people became common knowledge.

The influence of “American Idol” has become so widespread  that some have taken enough interest in the show to create mock versions of “American Idol” with live performances and audience votes.

The Piney Hills Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines will host one of these performances at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Ruston High School auditorium.

“The purpose of Sweet Adelines International is to promote singing for women of all ages,” Dr. Sue Holder, a professor of music, said. “[Our local chorus has chosen] to encourage singing for teenaged girls.”

The mock “American Idol” competition is called “Catch a Rising Star.” Five teenagers were chosen through preliminary auditions to compete against one another, and members of the audience will vote for their favorite performer.

Two Tech students, Callie Hockenjos, a freshman psychology major, and Laura Ulrich, a sophomore musical performance major, will participate in the competition.

Hockenjos said she is looking forward to the competition.

“I love getting to sing on stage,” Hockenjos said.

“I love getting to watch other people sing. I learn something every time.”

Hockenjos said she will perform “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway play “Wicked.” 

“I just fell in love with it,” Hockenjos said. “It’s my theme song. It’s about being a little rebellious and doing what you want to do.”

Ulrich is also excited about the competition.

“I absolutely love to compete,” Ulrich said. “I grew up doing shows on stage at Monroe’s Strauss Little Theatre. The chance to be on stage again is wonderful.”

Ulrich said she is also performing “Defying Gravity.”

“I’ve sung [“Defying Gravity”] before as an entertainment piece for Ouachita’s Junior Miss and a few other events, so it is almost second nature,” Ulrich said. “I’ve probably only spent a few days in the actual preparation of it, but I tend to learn pieces and go out with them after a couple days.”

Everyone participating in “Catch a Rising Star” will receive a monetary award.

“All five will get a check of some kind,” Holder said. “[They] are all winners.”

The winner will receive $200; the second-place contestant will receive $150; the third-place contestant, $125; the fourth-place contestant, $100; and the fifth-place contestant, $75.

The program will also include performances by the Sweet Adelines and special guests Gumbeaux Gold, a men’s barbershop quartet from Monroe. 

Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. For information regarding tickets, call 255-9368.