Ohio State Fair teams up with 'American Idol,' offers singers chance to win VIP auditions

Taijuan Moorman, The Columbus Dispatch
Updated ·2 min read
A family tradition since 1850, the Ohio State Fair will run from July 26 to Aug. 6.
A family tradition since 1850, the Ohio State Fair will run from July 26 to Aug. 6.
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The Ohio State Fair has joined forces with "American Idol" to find the best singers in Ohio.

Aspiring singers can now participate in virtual auditions until Wednesday, July 19, at 11:59 p.m. Instructions and entry requirements are available on the Ohio State Fair website.

The winner will be awarded a prize package, including an exclusive VIP private audition with the executive producers of "American Idol." The top five submissions will have their videos showcased on the large screens preceding the live concerts at the WCOL Celeste Center during the fair, which takes place from July 26 to Aug. 6.

The top eight chosen contestants will receive VIP front-of-the-line passes to audition for the "American Idol Across America" virtual auditions and four complimentary admission tickets to the Ohio State Fair.

"We were delighted when American Idol approached us for this partnership," said Virgil Strickler, general manager of the Ohio State Fair, in a release. "Ohio is brimming with exceptionally talented vocalists. I witness countless remarkable performances each year on our stages, particularly when the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir takes the spotlight."

The Ohio State Fair live concerts this year include Ludacris, Third Eye Blind and Jeff Dunham.

The fair will be held at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds starting later this month. Tickets are available now.

Ohio State Fair full concert schedule

  • July 26, 6:30 p.m.: Kidz Bop ($25)

  • July 27: Clint Black with Emily Ann Roberts ($25-35)

  • July 28, 7:30 p.m.: Third Eye Blind with The Main Squeeze ($32-42)

  • July 29, 7:30 p.m.: Keith Sweat with Ginuwine ($35-45)

  • July 30, 1 p.m.: All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir (free)

  • July 30, 7:30 p.m.: Yung Gravy with bbno$ ($37-47)

  • July 31, 7 p.m.: Casting Crowns ($22-32)

  • Aug. 1, 1 p.m.: Beatles Tribute (free)

  • Aug. 1 7:30 p.m.: Ludacris ($45-55)

  • Aug. 2, 7 p.m.: Styx with Foghat ($40-50)

  • Aug. 3, 7 p.m.: Tyler Hubbard with Matt Stell ($40-50)

  • Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m.: Jeff Dunham ($37-47)

  • Aug. 5, 7 p.m.: Lindsey Stirling with Walk Off The Earth ($35-45)

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State Fair hosts virtual 'American Idol' auditions