Showtime at the Apollo

Watch out American Idol ... Showtime at the Apollo is coming to Madison this January and they're looking for a star. Do you have what it takes? Here's your chance to find out - the first 200 applications we receive will have a chance to audition for Apollo judges on Sunday, January 18. The judges will select 10-12 finalists to perform on the Oscar Mayer stage in February. That night, one lucky winner will receive two airline tickets to NY, $1,000 and a chance to perform at the Apollo Theater in Harlem!

APOLLO AMATEUR NIGHT-perhaps the edgiest and most famous amateur artist showcase in the world-has launched the careers of so many superstars that it has a legitimate claim to being the most successful star search vehicle in show biz history. The Apollo Amateur Night show, "where stars are born and legends are made," began in 1934. It is celebrated for discovering and launching the careers of such entertainment legends as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, James Brown, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, and Sisqo. The Apollo Theater is also "home" to thousands of other major performance artists, fans and patrons of the arts from around the world.

APOLLO AMATEUR NIGHT raises the performance bar for up-and-coming talent. Its goal is to test the mettle and skills of a diverse line-up of amateur talent as they compete against one another to win the approval and support of the traditionally star-making, but artistically selective audience.

Presented by the Madison Civic Center, 211 State Street,

Performances: Friday, February 20, 2004, at 8:00 p.m.