Audition at Sunset Mall this Saturday for the chance to sing the National Anthem at the rodeo. (Courtesy photo)

If you want to be the next American Idol, you just missed the boat. Dallas’s American Idol auditions have already been airing to kick off the show’s new season (did you see the guy in the white pimp jacket? He might be the next William Hung).

But for locals who just want to have a little rodeo fun while honoring their country, this Saturday’s Rodeo Idol event at Sunset Mall (4001 Sunset Dr.) is your ticket.

The idea to hold an “Idol” like contest struck rodeo chairman Mark Duncan in the middle of the night. “This is my eighth year that I’ve been rodeo chairman, and one of the first things I learned when I first got in it is that everyone wants to participate—and sing the National Anthem,” Duncan says. “I just woke up in the middle of night one night and thought, the winners [of a singing contest] could get to sing the National Anthem. Then I thought, ‘why don’t I just let them sing a song that lets them show their talent better than anyone else?’”

Rodeo Idol was born. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. this Saturday. “We’re gonna have a sign up sheet for first 100 that show,” Duncan says. “That’s to sing on the Rodeo Idol stage.” Sign up slots will be organized by hours. People who don’t make the first 100 cut-off will be taken into a call room filled with contingency judges “who will be looking for that person that has the ‘wow’ factor that the other [main stage] judges need to see.” Contestants can audition a cappella or with CDs.

But with a limit of about 300 contestants that can be accommodated (and already 500 calls inquiring about auditions), singers will be strictly timed. “Not everyone is going to get through their whole song—you get 30 seconds to a minute,” Duncan says. “Have your act together and give us your best shot.”

Sounds like Simon Cowell has come to town.

“We don’t know if it’s gonna include 100 people or 500 people,” Duncan says. “We’re just gonna have the best time Saturday.” The following Monday, rodeo officials will announce the top 10. “By the time rodeo starts, we’ll be down to the top five contestants; for the second weekend, we’ll narrow it down to three; and crown the Idol on our March 1, Saturday night performance.”

Main stage judges are a panel of three—two, Alex and Tracey, are radio hosts on KKCN Kickin’ Country. The other one is a mystery, local celebrity judge.

KKCN’s Alex Hart says her judging style will be more Paula than Simon. “I don’t want to be mean, I’ll leave that to the other two,” she says.

“I love our country, and the [winner] will be singing our National Anthem, so I’m looking for quality,” Hart says. “I’m looking for someone comfortable on stage, someone who loves the country . . .

“I haven’t been bribed yet, but there’s a little buzz about it. A lot of people have called in to find out what time, what’s required. I want to wish everyone good luck. Usually, the best performers are those that let their personalities shine. It’s easy to see people who are comfy on stage, and love doing what they’re doing. This is your fifteen minutes of fame—enjoy it.”

To learn more about Rodeo Idol, visit www.rodeoidol.com.