If summer is on the horizon, so is "Delco Idol 2007". Delaware County's hottest vocal music contest returns for a third season at The Media Theatre. The entire event starts with auditions Wednesday evening June 6 at 6pm at the theatre on State Street.

Those auditioning must be between the ages of 14 and 21, residing within a 55 mile radius of Media Theatre. This includes residents of Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, as well as the Wilmington region. "The winner is referred to as the Delco Idol because the contest takes place at Delaware County's only professional theatre," Artistic Director Jesse Cline explained. "But since it's a contest for young people who often do not have the opportunity to showcase their talents on a professional stage, we opened it up last year to those who live within a certain distance from Media Theatre. This is community outreach for a vast area."

Audition forms are available online at www.mediatheatre.org. A $15 fee is required to audition, which is accepted online with a credit card ($2.00 credit card fees apply) or may be brought with the form in person to the actual audition on June 6.

The top 30 contestants will be chosen from the audition process by Cline and his artistic staff. Following that, the contest begins Wednesday evening July 11. It continues for five consecutive Wednesdays and five contestants are kindly asked 'not to return next week' until only ten remain for the finals on August 8.

"There will be some exciting changes for the contest this summer," Cline said. "Along with a new emcee, we will have votes accepted online each week as well."

Cline looks forward to the summer's biggest event in Delaware County. "Each year I am amazed at the high level of talent these young people have. We wish each contestant the best, but only one can become Delco Idol 2007."

The Delco Idol receives a cash prize of $1,000 plus appearances on television programs, a lot of publicity, and several other prizes. For more information, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit the Delco Idol page at www.mediatheatre.org.