Young singers to vie Friday for RB Idol title

Some talented youths with musical aspirations will be vying to become the 2015 RB Idol on Friday night.

The 10th annual competition for 8- to 18-year-old amateur singers that was inspired by the television show “American Idol” will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, July 3 in Rancho Bernardo’s Webb Park. On the line is not just bragging rights, but a TRAC recording package valued at $750.

The first-place prize from The Recording Arts Center at Studio West includes a recording session and CD. The second-place prize is $200 cash, provided by the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. The third-place prize is $100 cash, provided by Bertrand’s Music. The top three finalists will be selected by a panel of judges.

The audience will also get in on the action by voting for its favorite singer, who will win a pair of Shure headphones. Each $5 admission ticket includes one vote. Additional votes can be purchased for $5 each. Admission tickets and extra votes can be purchased at the competition, which is a fundraiser for Rancho Bernardo’s Spirit of the Fourth festivities.

All finalists will also be invited to walk in Rancho Bernardo’s Spirit of the Fourth parade, held the following afternoon, and sing that evening as part of the pre-fireworks show entertainment at Bernardo Heights Middle School.

As of press time, the contestants and their musical selections were:

• Haley Adams and Summer Smith, both 12, who together will sing “For Good” from the musical “Wicked.”

• Genevieve Gonzales, 12, who will sing “Riptide.”

• Eurielle Hasim, 11, selection yet to be announced.

• Jessica Jolley, 18, who will sing “When She Smiles” by Lewis Flinn.

• Jackie Petescia, 15, who will sing “Ave Maria” in the style of Beyonce.

• Casey Stephens, 11, selection yet to be announced.

• Natalya Vahidi, 13, who will sing “I’m Going Down” by Mary J. Blige.