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Dearest Queer Idol Competitor,

Thanks for your interest in QUEER IDOL 2010!

Because QUEER IDOL 2009 was so successful, we've modified Queer Idol 2010 to give more competitors even more shots at the title... and four times the amount of prizes ($33,000 worth!!!).

To accommodate this growth, however, it's crucial that things run smoothly. To that end, I'm asking all the competitors to please read and adhere to the TERMS listed below. Sure, these terms are lengthy, but they cover a lot of important details.

QUEER IDOL is a REALLY fun event that attracts quality artists. We provide an excellent opportunity to network with other singers and music industry experts. In fact, you'll notice most of our 2010 prizes offer the competitors opportunities to connect with each other so the friendships and networking can begin :o)

Like last year, QUEER IDOL is about celebrating talent, not ridiculing artists. So making our competitors feel as comfortable as possible will continue to be our top priority. Our seasoned Judging Panel has been instructed to give constructive-but-honest feedback. You won't hear any cruel comments here folks. After all, QUEER IDOL is about creating community for vocalists.

So win or lose, I hope you'll enter this ground-breaking event and have the time of your life.

YOU HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 TO APPLY FOR AN AUDITION, SO PLEASE DON'T DELAY.

Hope to see you soon!

-Ralph

You must be 19 years of age or over to compete in QUEER IDOL. (Because Goodhandy's serves alcohol, you will be required to bring government issued age of majority indentification.)

QUEER IDOL is inclusive to all ethnicities and cultures, transgendered individuals, lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and queer-friendly hetrosexuals.

There is no fee to enter QUEER IDOL.

If you're a member of a band, you must enter as a soloist, but if you win, you can use our record studio time to record music for your band.

All levels of experience, and all styles of music are welcome.

The winner of Queer Idol 2009 is prohibited from entering this competition (sorry Stacey!)

QUEER IDOL 2010 will have a theme for every night of performance. ALL COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO CHOOSE SONGS THAT FIT INTO EACH THEME. If you're auditioning, however, you don't need to follow a theme. To see a list of themes for our 2010 season, please review our SCHEDULE.

All performances must be less than FIVE minutes in length. (the Audition must be only one minute long)

Competitors are required to use a different piece of music for each round of competion (the Auditions, Quarterfinals, Elimination Round, Second Chance Round, Semifinals, Grand Finale, and Encores).

Original music (written by you) can only be used for the Audition phase of the competition. You are not permitted to use original music during any other round of competition. It's better to use popular music that the majority of guests will recognize and identify with.

All performances must be done on stage.

Even though competitors will be using karaoke accompaniment for their performances, QUEER IDOL is not equipped with a karaoke monitor, so all competitors will need to memorize the lyrics to their song choices.

Competitors are responsible for bringing their own karaoke track(s) to each round of competition (except the auditions). This track must be burned on a CD which is playable on any stereo. Please make sure your full name and other instructions (as indicated in each round below) are clearly marked on both your CD sleeve AND THE CD ITSELF.

Musical instruments and live backing vocalists are not permitted at any stage of QUEER IDOL. (If your karaoke track has backing vocals, however, this is permitted).

If you perform at QUEER IDOL, you are encouraged to incorporate costuming into your performance. Goodhandy's has a small change room next to the stage that competitors can access. Unfortunately, backstage access will not be granted for auditions.

Back up dancers are not permitted at QUEER IDOL 2010. Feel free, however, to choreograph your own dance moves.

If you arrived for a sound check but still experience severe technical difficulties during your performance, competitors will be permitted to repeat their performance (but the onus is on you to ask the sound tech to restart the performance while you're still on stage). If you didn't arrive for a sound check, however, you forfeit this option. If these difficulties cannot be resolved, the competitor agrees to perform a cappella. If the error is on the singer's behalf, or because of poor CD quality (provided by the singer), the competitor will not be permitted to repeat their performance.

Competitors are not permitted to ask the Sound Tech to adjust the sound board or pitch for any round of competition.

Lip syncing is not permitted at QUEER IDOL. All karaoke tracks used for performances must predominantly showcase the competitors vocals.

The prizes awarded at QUEER IDOL cannot be exchanged or refunded for their cash value and must be redeemed within the time period specified. If you advance to the Grand Finale, you must redeem your MAKEOVER PACKAGE by contacting our stylist (Image Trademark Consulting) IMMEDIATELY after the Semifinals.

QUEER IDOL prizes are NON-TRANSFERABLE. Meaning, you cannot give your prizes to another person (if they are professional services or social events).

The organizers of SCREWW, QUEER IDOL, and the management and staff of Goodhandy's will not be held responsible if a sponsor, for any reason, is unable to follow through on a prize that was donated to QUEER IDOL.

If a competitor causes any damage while staying at Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre they will be financially responsible for this. The same applies to overnight stays at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, memberships at Goodlife Fitness, dinner at Il Fornello, etc. So please act responsibily.

If a competitor is disqualified from QUEER IDOL for any reason, they will forfeit their prizes.

Failure to arrive on time for a performance or audition will result in immediate disqualification. (Arrival times are listed below).

Repeated failure to promptly reply to emails is grounds for disqualification (within three business days).

If a competitor is unable to attend QUEER IDOL for any reason -- poor weather, traffic conditions, illness, personal tragedy, or death in the family -- while you have our deepest sympathies -- the show must go on and you will be disqualified. If the City of Toronto declares a State of Emergency on the day of competition, the event will be rescheduled and competitors will be notified by email of this new date.

Competitors are permitted to drink alcohol during QUEER IDOL. However, being intoxicated prior to a performance will result in disqualification.

If a competitor is caught using illegal drugs during QUEER IDOL, they will be disqualified.

During QUEER IDOL, competitors are expected to be respectful towards other competitors, as well as the staff of SCREWW, Goodhandy's, and QUEER IDOL. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

If a competitor is disrespectful towards one of our Sponsors (by being late for appointments, rude or wreckless), they will be disqualified.

During competition, please do not pressure guests to vote for you.

If you falsify information on your Audition Application Form, you will be disqualified.

By competing in QUEER IDOL, you authorize SCREWW to use photographs and video from the event for promotional purposes and agree to participate in media interviews and coverage of the event. You also agree to being a media contact for QUEER IDOL.

The organizers and staff of SCREWW and QUEER IDOL, and the staff and management of Goodhandy's, and the sponsors of QUEER IDOL, will not be held responsible for any damage (personal, financial, or otherwise) that may result from competing in QUEER IDOL.

If a performer uses a WIRELESS mic, please do not leave it unattended. Either pass the mic to the next performer or leave it with the Sound Technician (in the DJ Booth). Failure to do so could make you financially responsible if the mic is stolen.

There will be four Auditions dates for QUEER IDOL 2010: Oct. 16/09, Nov. 20/09, Dec. 18/09 and Jan. 17/10.

In order to audition at QUEER IDOL, you must read the ENTIRE Terms first and complete the electronic Application Form.

You will be awarded points for each answer you give on your Audition Form. The 40 applicants with the highest points will be given an audition. Everyone else will be put on a waiting list. (10 people will audition per night and the top three people on the waiting list will be invited in case someone is absent)

The deadline to apply for an Audition is September 30, 2009, but you will earn bonus points if you apply early.

Queer Idol reserves the right to modify the order of the WAITING LIST to accommodate singers who apply after our September 30 deadline. If a late entry has enough points, they can be placed at the top of the Waiting List.

QUEER IDOL will issue its list of 40 auditionees on October 2, 2009 (and the dates of their audition). If you make this list, you must confirm your attendance within three business days of receiving this email. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the event. With this confirmation email, please send a full colour HIGH RESOLUTION headshot of yourself to ralph@screww.ca (2-5MB in size). Please put "queer idol photo" in the subject line of your email. By sending this photo, you agree to letting QUEER IDOL use it for promotional purposes. Please make sure the top of your head is not cropped in this photo and that the photo is shot from a frontal position.

Please do not contact the staff at QUEER IDOL, SCREWW or Goodhandy's about the status of your Audition Application.

QUEER IDOL reserves the right to decline any application without prejudice.

If you are invited to audition at QUEER IDOL, you will need to prepare one song.

You will have one-minute to sing this song a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment).

Please do not bring musical instruments or backing vocalists to your Audition. But please feel free to bring all your friends to cheer you on.

For the Audition, you can sing an original song or a popular song.

If you are on the top of our Waiting List, you will be invited to the auditions as well (and will receive a Prize Package for each night you attend). You should be fully prepared to audition in the event that someone is absent.

To get a better sense of how the QUEER IDOL auditions work, please watch this video.

If you are invited to an Audition, you will be slotted in one of four groups: Group A; Group B; Group C or Group D.

You are required to arrive at 9:30 pm on the date of your audition. Auditions will take place from 10:30 pm to 11:30 pm. (NOTE: at the Queer Idol Launch Party on October 16, auditions will run from 11:30 to 12:30am)

During your audition, you will have one minute to sing. If you go over this time, you will be interrupted.

If you choose to sing an original song, at the beginning of your Audition, please let the Judges know this.

After each audition, a kind-but-honest judging panel will give helpful feedback on your performance.

Judges will use a score sheet to evaluate each competitor based on three criteria: stage presence, style, and vocal ability.

After a maximum of 10 competitors have auditioned, the scores will be reviewed by the Judging Panel. The highest and lowest mark for each competitor will be dropped and the auditionees will be ranked by their mid-mark. The seven competitors with the highest score will advance to the Quarterfinals. In the event of a tie, the Judges will vote for the winner.

If fewer than 10 auditionees show up for any round of auditions, the Judging Panel reserves the right to cut up to three competitors and advance as many as seven.

The names of these seven Quarterfinalists will be announced at 1:30 a.m.

If you finish in the top seven, you agree to return the following month to compete in the Quarterfinals (or you will forfeit your prizes).

TO VIEW A FLOW CHART OF THE COMPETITION PLEASE CLICK HERE.

If you advance to the Quarterfinals of QUEER IDOL, you must come prepared to sing two songs:

SONG ONE (FOR QUARTERFINAL COMPETITION): you will be required to sing a popular song (of any musical genre) with karaoke accompaniment. THE SONG YOU PERFORM MUST TIE IN WITH THE THEMES OUTLINED ON OUR SCHEDULE. All competitors are required to bring the karaoke version of their song choice burned on a CD (that is playable on any stereo).

SONG TWO (FOR THE QUARTERFINAL ENCORE): if you finish first in your Quarterfinal round, you will be required to do an encore performance (a popular song of any musical genre) with karaoke accompaniment. All competitors are required to bring the karaoke version of their song choice burned on a CD (that is playable on any stereo).

Please burn your two karaoke tracks on two separate CDs. Each CD should only have ONE track. Please check the quality of the audio before arriving at the Semifinals. On each CD sleeve, please write your full name, and either "quarterfinal" or "encore". If you have special instructions for the cueing of this song, please write this clearly on your CD sleeve.

Failure to come to the Quarterfinal with two prepared songs and two stereo-friendly CDs with karaoke accompaniment is grounds for disqualification.

Please note: even though you are preparing two songs, only the top Quarterfinalist each night will perform twice.

The seven competitors who make it to the Quarterfinals are required to arrive at 11pm on the night of their quarterfinal round. As soon as you arrive, please immediately deliver your two CDs (with karaoke accompaniment) to the DJ.

If you choose, they can arrive at 9pm (sharp) for a sound check.

The Quarterfinal performances will start at 12:30am (the time you perform will be determined by the judging panel's scoring. The higher you score in the Audition, the later you will perform in the Quarterfinal).

All competitors are required to be backstage at 12:15am.

A Judging Panel will not be used during the Quarterfinal round of competition. The winner will be determined by audience votes. (There will be no critique of this performance)

Immediately after your performance, please return backstage. At 1:10 am, after the last competitor has performed, the Event Host will invite all seven Quarterfinalists back on stage while they explain the voting process to the audience. At this point, the Event Host will give each Quarterfinalist a number (from 1 to 7) that they will be required to hold on their chest.

Voting will be done by secret ballot, and will begin after the Event Host explains the voting process to the audience. Voting will last for 15 minutes. On each Voting Ballot, guests will be required to choose two competitors. The competitor they place first will get two points and the competitor they place second will get one point.

Guests who arrive after 12:30 am will not be able to vote (so tell your supporters to arrive early).

The three top finishers will be declared at 1:40 am. At this time, the top finishine competitor will come to the stage and do an encore performance.

In the event of a tie, the Event Promoter, Ralph Hamelmann, will cast the deciding vote.

The top three finishers from each Quarterfinal round will advance to the Elimination Round. The four competitors who don't advance qualify for the Second Chance Round.

TO VIEW A FLOW CHART OF THE COMPETITION PLEASE CLICK HERE.

The competitors who advance to the Elimination Round are required to arrive at 11pm that night so they can immediately deliver their two CDs (with karaoke accompaniment) to the DJ.

SONG ONE (FOR ELIMINATION ROUND COMPETITION): you will be required to sing a popular song (of any musical genre) with karaoke accompaniment. THE SONG YOU PERFORM MUST TIE IN WITH THE THEMES OUTLINED ON OUR SCHEDULE. All competitors are required to bring the karaoke version of their song choice burned on a CD (that is playable on any stereo).

SONG TWO (FOR THE ELIMINATION ROUND ENCORE): if you finish first in this round, you will be required to do an encore performance (a popular song of any musical genre) with karaoke accompaniment. All competitors are required to bring the karaoke version of their song choice burned on a CD (that is playable on any stereo).

Please note: even though you are preparing two songs, only the top competitor that night will perform twice.

Please make sure there is only one track on each CD and that the sleeve of each disk is properly marked with your full name and whether the song is for the competition or the encore (and any special instructions for cueing the start of the song).

If you choose, you can arrive at 9pm (sharp) for a sound check.

The Elimination Round performances will start at 12:30am (the time you perform will be determined by how well you placed in the Quarterfinals. The more votes you receive, the later you will perform in the Elimination Round).

All competitors are required to be backstage at 12:15am.

A Judging Panel will not be used during this round of competition. The winner will be determined by audience votes. (There will be no critique of this performance)

After your performance, please return backstage. At 1:10 am, after the last competitor has performed, the Event Host will invite all 6 competitors back on stage while they explain the voting process to the audience. At this point, the Event Host will give each competitor a number (from 1 to 6) that they will be required to hold on their chest.

Voting will be done by secret ballot, and will begin after the Event Host explains the voting process to the audience. Voting will last for 15 minutes. On each Voting Ballot, guests will be required to choose two competitors. The competitor they place first will get two points and the competitor they place second will get one point.

Guests who arrive after 12:30 am will not be able to vote (so tell your friends and supporters to arrive early).

The three winners will be declared at 1:40 am. At this time, the top winner will come to the stage and do an encore performance.

In the event of a tie, the Event Promoter, Ralph Hamelmann, will cast the deciding vote.

The top three finishers from each Eliminination round will advance to the Semifinals. In the event that Queer Idol is represented at PRIDE DAY, the top three finishers at each Elimination Round (and all the other Semifinalists) will be required to perform that day. The three competitors who don't advance qualify for the Second Chance Round.

TO VIEW A FLOW CHART OF THE COMPETITION PLEASE CLICK HERE.

This is a bonus round that will give 16 of the 22 eliminated quarterfinalists one last shot at the title.

After you've been eliminated a video of your performance will be posted on the QUEER IDOL website (see dates on next line). The 8 competitors with the most online votes from each poll will be invited to compete in the Second Chance Round for two spots in the Semifinals.

Online voting will take place from March 22 to April 22, for Group A & B competitors. And from April 22 to May 22 for Group C & D competitors.

The competitors who are voted into the Second Chance Round are required to arrive at 11pm that night so they can immediately deliver their two CDs (with karaoke accompaniment) to the DJ.

SONG ONE (FOR THE SECOND CHANCE ROUND): you will be required to sing a popular song (of any musical genre) with karaoke accompaniment. THE SONG YOU PERFORM MUST TIE IN WITH THE THEMES OUTLINED ON OUR SCHEDULE. All competitors are required to bring the karaoke version of their song choice burned on a CD (that is playable on any stereo).

SONG TWO (FOR THE ENCORE): if you finish first in your round, you will be required to do an encore performance (a popular song of any musical genre) with karaoke accompaniment. All competitors are required to bring the karaoke version of their song choice burned on a CD (that is playable on any stereo).

Please note: even though you are preparing two songs, only the top competitor that night will perform twice.

Please make sure there is only one track on each CD and that the sleeve of each disk is properly marked with your full name and whether the song is for the competition or the encore (and any special instructions for cueing the start of the song).

If you choose, you can arrive at 9pm (sharp) for a sound check.

The Elimination Round performances will start at 12:30am (the time you perform will be determined by how you ranked in the Quarterfinals. The higher you scored, the later you will perform in the Elimination Round).

All competitors are required to be backstage at 12:15am.

A Judging Panel will not be used during this round of competition. The winner will be determined by audience votes. (There will be no critique of this performance)

After your performance, please return to the change room. At 1:10 am, after the last competitor has performed, the Event Host will invite the eight competitors back on stage while they explain the voting process to the audience. At this point, the Event Host will give each competitor a number (from 1 to 8) that they will be required to hold on their chest.

Voting will be done by secret ballot, and will begin after the Event Host explains the voting process to the audience. Voting will last for 15 minutes. On each Voting Ballot, guests will be required to choose two competitors. The competitor they place first will get two points and the competitor they place second will get one point.

Guests who arrive after 12:30 am will not be able to vote (so tell your friends and supporters to arrive early).

The winner will be declared at 1:40 am. At this time, they will come to the stage and do an encore performance.

In the event of a tie, the Event Promoter, Ralph Hamelmann, will cast the deciding vote.

The winner of both Second Chance Rounds will advance to the Semifinals. In the event that Queer Idol is represented at PRIDE DAY, the winner of this round (and all the other Semifinalists) will be required to perform that day.

TO VIEW A FLOW CHART OF THE COMPETITION PLEASE CLICK HERE.

The eight competitors who advance to the Semifinal Round are required to arrive at 11pm that night so they can immediately deliver their CD (with karaoke accompaniment) to the DJ.

If you choose, you can arrive at 9pm (sharp) for a sound check.

NOTE: we will not announce the top finisher for this round, so each competitor only has to prepare ONE song

SONG CHOICE (FOR THE SEMIFINAL ROUND): you will be required to sing a popular song (of any musical genre) with karaoke accompaniment. THE SONG YOU PERFORM MUST TIE IN WITH THE THEMES OUTLINED ON OUR SCHEDULE. All competitors are required to bring the karaoke version of their song choice burned on a CD (that is playable on any stereo).

Please make sure there is only one track on your CD and that the sleeve of each disk is properly marked with your full name and any special instructions for cueing the start of the song.

The Semifinal performances will start at 12:30am (the time you perform will be determined by how you've ranked in the competition. The higher you ranked, the later you will perform in the Semifinal Round).

All competitors are required to be backstage at 12:15am.

A Judging Panel will not be used during this round of competition. The winner will be determined by audience votes. (There will be no critique of this performance)

After your performance, please return backstage. At 1:10 am, after the last competitor has performed, the Event Host will invite all eight semifinalists back on stage while they explain the voting process to the audience. At this point, the Event Host will give each competitor a number (from 1 to 8) that they will be required to hold on their chest.

Voting will be done by secret ballot, and will begin after the Event Host explains the voting process to the audience. Voting will last for 15 minutes. On each Voting Ballot, guests will be required to choose two competitors. The competitor they place first will get two points and the competitor they place second will get one point.

Guests who arrive after 12:30 am will not be able to vote (so tell your friends and supporters to arrive early).

The five finalists will be declared at 1:40 am.

In the event of a tie, the Event Promoter, Ralph Hamelmann, will cast the deciding vote.

The top five finishers from the Semifinals will advance to the Grand Finale.

To prepare for the MAKEOVER aspect of the Grand Finale, all finalists are required to book an appointment with our stylist (Image Trademark Consulting) IMMEDIATELY after the Semifinals. Your transformation will be revealed a month later, so please do not procrastinate. Also, the finalists are expected to be cooperative with the Stylist. In the event that clothing is donated to the finalists, they agree to wearing them at the photoshoot and at the Grand Finale.

TO VIEW A FLOW CHART OF THE COMPETITION PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Please arrive at 10pm on the night of the Grand Finale (NOTE: YOU NEED TO ARRIVE AN HOUR EARLIER BECAUSE WE'RE DOING A GROUP NUMBER) When you arrive, please immediately deliver your two CDs (with karaoke accompaniment) to the DJ.

If you choose, you can arrive at 9pm (sharp) for a sound check.

The five competitors who advance to the Grand Finale are required to prepare THREE songs:

SONG ONE (FOR THE GRAND FINALE COMPETITION): you will be required to sing a popular song (of any musical genre) with karaoke accompaniment. THE SONG YOU PERFORM MUST TIE IN WITH THE THEMES OUTLINED ON OUR SCHEDULE. All competitors are required to bring the karaoke version of their song choice burned on a CD (that is playable on any stereo).

SONG TWO (FOR THE ENCORE): if you win Queer Idol, you will be required to do an encore performance (a popular song of any musical genre) with karaoke accompaniment. All competitors are required to bring the karaoke version of their song choice burned on a CD (that is playable on any stereo).

SONG THREE (GROUP NUMBER): all the finalists are required to collaborate on a group number. The song will be chosen by QUEER IDOL organizers and all the finalists are required to attend three rehearsals.

Please note: even though you are preparing three songs for the Grand Finale, only the winner of QUEER IDOL will get to perform an encore.

Please make sure there is only one track on each CD and that the sleeve of each disk is properly marked with your full name, whether the song is for the "competition" or "encore" and any special instructions for cueing the start of the song.

The group number will take place at 11:30pm. The Grand Finale competition will start at 12:30am.

All finalists are required to be backstage at 11:15pm for the Group Number and at 12:15am for the competition.

The Judging Panel will be used during Grand Finale competition. Even though the winner will be determined by audience votes. They will be there to offer a critique of your performance.

Voting will be done by secret ballot, and will begin after the Event Host explains the voting process to the audience. Voting will last for 15 minutes. On each Voting Ballot, guests will be required to choose two competitors. The competitor they place first will get two points and the competitor they place second will get one point.

Guests who arrive after 12:30 am will not be able to vote (so tell your friends and supporters to arrive early).

The winner will be declared at 1:40 am.

In the event of a tie, the Event Promoter, Ralph Hamelmann, will cast the deciding vote.

TO VIEW A FLOW CHART OF THE COMPETITION PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Now that you've read and agreed to the Terms for QUEER IDOL (outilned above), it's time to complete our online Audition Application.