VCU Idol semi-finals to be held Feb. 7

By Malorie Burkett

Virginia Commonwealth University will hold the first round of semi-finals for VCU Idol, a singing competition sponsored by VCU Athletics that is based on the popular Fox reality TV series, American Idol.

Four contestants will compete this Saturday, Feb. 7 during half time of the VCU men's basketball homecoming game against UNCW. The game will begin at 5 p.m. at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, ALLTEL Pavilion, 1200 W. Broad St.

Contestants competing Saturday are the winners from the first session of VCU Idol competitions that took place during half time of selected men's basketball games this season. The second session of VCU Idol also concludes this week, and the four winners from that session will compete Feb. 18 during the second round of semi-finals. One winner from each of the semi-finals will advance to the Feb. 21 grand finale to compete for the title of VCU Idol.

The VCU Idol grand prizewinner will receive $2,000, 10 hours of recording studio time, a beauty makeover and a professional model portfolio. The grand-prize winner's university sponsor also will receive $1,000. The runner-up for VCU Idol will receive $1,000 and their university sponsor will receive $500.

In addition, homecoming festivities, such as the presentation of VCU's homecoming court, will be announced during half time. The game, which also will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, is first national telecast of VCU from the ALLTEL Pavilion at Stuart C. Siegel Center.