"Idol' Hopefuls Can Schedule Auditions

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- University at Buffalo faculty and staff who have dreamed of showcasing their singing chops on "American Idol" now have a chance at the next best thing.

UB Idol, the university's first-ever singing contest, will debut during the Bulls Backyard Bash on Aug. 28. Auditions will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 6 in 352 Slee Hall on the North (Amherst) Campus and at 9 a.m. Aug. 13 in 107 Allen Hall on the South (Main Street) Campus.

Each contestant will have 30 seconds to sing a song a cappella before a panel of three judges. The judges will rate each contestant on a scale of 1 to 10 and choose five finalists to compete in UB Idol, which will be held as part of the Backyard Bash festivities before the Bulls' home opener football game against the University of Texas-El Paso.

The winner of UB Idol will receive a two-night stay in the Holiday Inn Ithaca, a $25 gift certificate to the hotel restaurant and a tour of Cayuga Lake wineries.

UB Idol is sponsored by University Human Resources.

Contact Amy Myszka at 645-5357 or at to schedule an audition.