New prize for ‘Ohio Has Talent!’ winner

Van Wert independent/CHP information

Contestants for the “Ohio Has Talent!” competition on Saturday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center now have more to compete for. In addition to the $500, $250 and $100 offered in prize money, representatives from the Ohio Idol contest in Columbus will be on hand to choose a singer that will be instantly qualified for its top 100 and a chance to win $10,000 and a recording contract.

This week Steve Wise, CEO of Ohio Idol and In Tune Promotions LLC of Mount Vernon, contacted the organizers of “Ohio Has Talent!” about the collaboration. Ohio Idol is a statewide singing competition for vocalists ages 12 and older, offering the chance to compete for $10,000, a year-long statewide tour and a recording contract.

ddOhio Idol begins on June 9 with an open audition at the Columbus Convention Center. The top 100 from the open audition will compete on June 16-17 in front of a live, public audience. The top 50 will perform during Columbus’ “Red, White & Boom!” Fireworks Festival on July 3, with the finals on July 28 as the top 10 contestants perform at the Ohio State Fair on the Celeste Center stage, where the winner will be announced.

The singer selected by Ohio Idol representatives at “Ohio Has Talent!” will be entered in the top 100 performances on June 16-17 at the convention center in Columbus.

“Ohio Has Talent!” features 20 individual and group acts from singers to instrumentalists and dancers. The “Ohio Has Talent!” winner will be determined by audience votes and may or may not be the contestant chosen by Ohio Idol representatives.

Tickets for “Ohio Has Talent!” are available through the NPAC ticket office or at Community Health Professionals in Van Wert. Proceeds from the show benefit Community Health Professionals’ Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.