Auditions opened up to younger singers this year

SIKESTON -- Singers of all ages can audition for this year's Kenny Rogers Children's Center's Telethon Idol.

Tryouts for the sixth annual singing competition fundraiser will take place Feb. 19 at the Miner Convention Center.

In years past the contest was open only to those who were 14 and older.

"There are some really young singers, which is one reason we made the change," said Christy O'Neal, marketing and development director for the Kenny Rogers Children's Center. "... I anticipate quite a few younger people trying out."

O'Neal said the Center had received lots of requests to lower the age limit. However, event organizers want the younger contestants to be aware they could compete against someone years older than them, she said.

"We don't want anyone to be upset if you are 8 or 9 and competing against someone who's up there in their age -- and it may be a disadvantage or it may not be," O'Neal said.

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