News

Operation Rising Star expands eligibility, brings back live finals
Date Posted: 8/18/2008

By Bill Bradner
FMWRC Public Affairs

Preliminary competitions to determine the Army’s best vocalist are now underway at 47 installations, camps or forward operating bases across the globe— as the search for the Army’s 2008 Rising Star is now underway.

“We are really excited to expand the program to 8 deployed sites in Iraq, Kosovo and Honduras,” said Kristen Kea, Event Planner Manager at the Family and MWR Command.

Second Lt. Jacqueline Evans of Camp Red Cloud, Korea, advances to the semifinals of the 2007 Operation Rising Star singing contest. - U.S. Army photo

Operation Rising Star is modeled after the popular television show American Idol. The competition is open to all Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers for all branches of service. For the first time ever, military Family members 18 years and older can also compete.

“The addition of Family members to the 2008 contest will really show the community the talent that exists in our military Family,” Kea said.

This year also marks the show’s return to its roots: the finalists will compete live on the Pentagon Channel. Tune in Nov. 12-14, 2008, to watch the finals and cast a vote for the top vocalist.

“We are truly fortunate to have great media partners with the Pentagon Channel and Army Knowledge Online that make viewing and voting possible,” Kea said.

Selection at the installation level will be done through a combination of audience voting and a three-judge panel. At the live finals, the winner will be determined through online voting and a panel of judges, with the audience and panel each counting for 50 percent of the participant’s score.

The grand prize for this year’s top performer is The Ultimate Music Recording Experience; an all-expense-paid trip to Los Angeles, CA, to record a three-song demo CD. The experience includes professional studio time and one-on-one time with music executives who will coach the winner in music arrangement, vocals, mixing and mastering.

Every participating installation will award cash prizes for first ($500) through third ($100) place finishers. Audience members are encouraged to come out and support contestants at all the local events, since each local contest will also award a $300 cash prize to the most supportive unit or Family Readiness Group.

“The talent and personalities of the Rising Star contestants are truly amazing,” Kea said. “I know audience members that have gone to the local events in the past would agree with me. It’s a great night out with unique entertainment available nowhere else in your community.”

The winners at each local contest will forward their winning video to the Family and MWR Command’s Army Entertainment Division for review and to be posted online.

“Last year during the contest we had family members from all over the world leaving comments and feedback on the OpRisingStar.com page,” Kea said. “The comments were so uplifting, especially for contestants participating in deployed areas, that I hope the community takes the time again this year to leave a message for their favorite contestant.”

The top 12 vocalists from the online competition will perform at the live finals Nov. 12 – 15, 2008. Second and third prizes at the televised finals are $1,000 and $500 dollars, respectively.

For complete details, official rules, and a list of participating locations, visit www.OpRisingStar.com.