Kids, teens: Want to be the next ‘RB Idol’?

Musically talented youths, ages 8 to 18, may compete for the title of RB Idol and a recording session valued at $750.

The deadline to enter is Friday, June 19. The talent competition will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 3 in Rancho Bernardo’s Webb Park.

Only amateur performers in third to 12th grade (ages 8 to 18) who live within the Poway Unified School District boundaries and have not yet started their college studies are eligible. Prior first place winners in the annual competition may not enter either.

Individual contestants or groups of up to five performers will be allotted three minutes to perform a song. According to the rules, they may use recorded instrumental music if the CD does not have any main or backup vocals on it. They may also have an accompanist of any age if that person is not part of the act.

The top three finalists will be selected by a panel of judges. There will also be an Audience Choice winner, based on ticket stubs placed in the contestants’ boxes. Each audience member will have one vote, with the option to purchase additional votes at $5 apiece.

The first place prize is a StudioWest recording session and CD, a prize valued at $750. 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 Audience Choice prize is a new pair of Shure headphones.

All finalists will also be invited to walk in Rancho Bernardo’s Spirit of the Fourth parade, held in the afternoon of July 4, and sing that evening as part of the pre-fireworks show entertainment at Bernardo Heights Middle School.

Contestants will be judged on the quality of their performance, stage presence, entertainment value and selection appropriateness.

Their entry packet, to be submitted by June 19, needs to include the application form — available at spiritofthefourth.org/RBIdolContest.html — plus a $20 application fee (includes three votes), a 8.5-inch-by-11-inch color or black and white headshot and a recommendation letter. The letter needs to come from a teacher or music coach. If more than 30 contestants apply, preference in being selected to compete will be based on the recommendation letter.

For questions, contact Angela Kanish at 858-324-4160 or info@yposd.org.