Windy City Gay Idol Kicks Off 12th Year

Windy City Gay Idol, now in its 12th year, kicks off the 2014 search for the best amateur lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) singers in the Chicago area. Windy City Gay Idol has grown into the largest and most highly anticipated annual competition in Chicago's GLBT community. Come sing, or come vote!

With more than $10,000 in cash and prizes, the person crowned as this year's 2014 Windy City Gay Idol will win $1,000 in cash, Smirnoff merchandise, a trip for two on the island of Curaçao (5 nights and includes airfare on American Airlines), theater and concert tickets, performance opportunities, and more, plus the coveted title of Windy City Gay Idol 2014.

Past Windy City Gay Idol winners have gone on to sing at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, Allstate Arena, Market Days and at festivals around Illinois, Milwaukee, Toronto and Vancouver. In addition, the 2012 Windy City Gay Idol Finals featured Josh "JDA" Davila who landed in the Top 40 on Fox's American Idol 2013. Plus the 2008 Windy City Gay Idol Finals featured a then-unknown Lady Gaga as a Guest Performer.

Windy City Gay Idol, produced by Windy City Media Group, kicks off Sunday, April 6 at The Sofo Tap, 4923 N. Clark St. The competition continues with events through June 25th.

Windy City Gay Idol 2014 preliminary competitions are one-night-only at different bars. As many as 20 participants sing at each venue, where all contestants compete for the chance to advance to the semi-finals Saturday, June 14 at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. Results from every preliminary, semi-final and final event come from audience votes. Votes from friends, family and audience members hopefully land them on the stage at the finals Wednesday, June 25 at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse.

At all events, contestants will face local celebrity judges that include singers, DJs, actors, talent and casting agents, and others familiar with the performance arena.

Each winner collecting the most votes at each preliminary bar will win $100 cash. Two winners from each bar will advance to the semi-finals. Audience members at each bar also have the chance to win great prizes, such as merchandise, concert and theater tickets, new DVD & CD releases, and much more.

At the Semi-finals and Finals audience members will also win big prizes including merchandise, tickets to theaters and concerts, and a Trip for Two on American Airlines to the island of Curaçao.

The 2014 Windy City Gay Idol Premium sponsor is Smirnoff. Other Sponsors include Ketel One, Tanqueray, Don Julio, Creaoke, Broadway in Chicago, Thompson Hotels, Ravinia, SpeedPro Imaging and Mini of Chicago. Plus Travel Partners: American Airlines and the Island of Curaçao.

The promotion is open to all amateur singers age 21 and above, regardless of sexual orientation. There is a $10 signup fee for singers, and a $5 fee for audience members at all preliminary events