Deadline Extended For Metropolitan Room's 'Metro-Star Talent Challenge'

New York's Metropolitan Room is extending its deadline for applications for this year's 2012 "MetroStar Talent Challenge" to July 4. "Many potential contestants have been waiting to clear their schedules for the summer," explains Joseph Macchia, a MetroStar producer who is in charge of artist relations. "We're giving some singers a few extra days to make sure they can commit to us." The jury-and audience-voted, elimination-round singers competition runs for seven consecutive Mondays, from July 9 through August 20. All contestants must certify that they will be available to compete throughout the competition.

The 2012 edition of MetroStar, which is being pared down to 7 weeks instead of 8 will repeat two popular competitive categories – The Common Theme (in which the contest's semifinalists are asked to chose a song based on a period or theme) and The Common Song (in which the contest's finalists are given the same song to interpret in their own fashion

This year, the acclaimed singer, actor and director Eric Michael Gillett joins the contest's permanent jury, which includes cabaret writer Roy Sander (the chairman), critic Rob Lester and the Metropolitan Room's booking manager Tanya Holt. After the contest's three weeks of trials (July 9, 16, 23), the permanent jurors are joined by different weekly guest jurors, drawn from the media, theatre and cabaret. Tom Gamblin returns for his third season as the contest's onstage host.

Open to solo singers and vocal duos of all ages, backgrounds and styles who have not played a major engagement at The Metropolitan Room, "MetroStar" offers a career-boosting package of prizes and professional encouragements, including a fully produced primetime Met Room engagement and live recording. (The club invites prominent professionals and artists to collaborate with the winner.) Reigning MetroStar Marissa Mulder, the contest's fourth grand prize winner, premiered her prize show, "Illusions," in March of this year.

To apply, performers must submit an application accompanied by a CD or recording (either by mail or via e-mail). For details and downloadable application form, visit www.metropolitanroom.com

The 2012 MetroStar Talent Challenge, the fifth annual edition, takes place on seven consecutive Mondays from July 9 to August 20. All shows are at 7pm; the cover charge for all shows is $20, plus a two-drink minimum. Hailed as "the best of New York's smaller clubs" by The New York Times, the Nightlife, MAC and Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, celebrated its sixth anniversary this month. For reservations call 212/206-0440 or to order online visit www.metropolitanroom.com

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