Excitement is building as contestants prepare to take to the stage in this year’s County Lions of Ashburton Stars in your Eyes competition.
It takes place on October 17.
Contestants are in the midst of filming their introduction videos, trying out their make-up, practicing their moves, working on hairstyles and choosing their costumes.
True to the form of the competition, the contestants will each be transforming into a famous singer of their choice.
This year, 13 contestants will perform; the same number as in 2023.
Lions organiser Nicki Kelly said how could they turn away anyone when there was such talent out there. Without wanting to ruin the surprise for what is expected to be a sell-out audience, performers taking to the stage may include Adele and Alice Cooper.
Emcee Brent Gray will ask each contestant who they are going to be, they will answer and then appear on stage as their performer.
‘‘Our People’s Choice 2023 winner John Hobson will be coming back to give us a couple of songs from his favourite singer Neil Diamond,’’ Kelly said.
Three judges from the music world will be judging competitors on impact, costume, voice and likeness to the star they are performing as. The audience will pick the winner of the People’s Choice on the night.
One of the recipients of money raised on the night, Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue, will report on their Mission 26 project. Each year the show is a sell-out and is likely to be again this year.
■ Stars in Your Eyes will stage at the Ashburton Event Centre, Wills St, 7.30pm, October 17. Tickets from the event centre cost: adults – $40, children under 16 – $20, groups of more than 10 – $35 per person, and a family of two adults and two children – $100.
