Americans have been glued to the TV since reality shows eased their way into our living rooms and our culture several years ago.  From Survivor to Fear Factor to Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire, average Joes have lined up for their opportunity to break into television. 

Even real estate mogul Donald Trump got in on the action with his show, Apprentice.  Executives nationwide pushed and shoved, with fingers crossed, yelling, “Pick me!  Pick me!”

One of the best and longest lasting is the show that started the entire country singing in the shower and gelling their hair.  Hundreds of wanna-bes, with talent and without, awaited their chances to be dubbed the next American Idol.  

This summer, for the first time, KHTS AM 1220, Santa Clarita’s hometown station has teamed up with Panera Bread to bring the excitement a little closer to home with Santa Clarita Idol.  The competition is open to singers age 12 and up, and promises great entertainment along with bushels of laughter.  Even if you don’t plan to perform, come out and support your friends.  Panera bread has excellent sandwiches and cool summer salads. 

KHTS AM 1220, owned by Carl and Jeri Goldman, broke onto the scene two years ago after a five year hiatus.  Known as “the voice of the valley,” Hometown station KBET went off the air after the Clear Channel megopoly purchased the station’s signal. KHTS eased back into business on October 28, 2003 when fires in Stevenson ranch loomed out of control.  The station became the lifeline to the community, reporting any changes in the fire’s direction, road closures, and evacuations; once again, taking its place as “the voice of the valley”.   

As the only local radio station serving SCV, listeners enjoy hearing local news, traffic, weather and information on KHTS.  Shows scheduled throughout the week provide excellent local programming and offer a forum for local advertisers that are both affordable and attainable, unlike that available on LA based stations.  Sports coverage includes local high school football along with exciting L.A. Kings Hockey and Dodgers Baseball.  In between special programs and sports coverage, KHTS rings through the community with top adult contemporary hits.  

The Santa Clarita Idol competition will be hosted by radio personality Lee Cadena of 337 Entertainment.  Lee, a resident of Valencia, has hosted the Low rider Oldies Show on Power 106, and also The Love Pad on Q 104.7, and now hosts a weekly internet show, The Low rider Oldies Show airing Tuesdays, 4-6 pm PST at www.urbannetwork.com.

A percussionist himself, Lee has experienced the thrill of the stage, performing with Ivory Queen of Soul, Teena Marie.  

The Santa Clarita Idol competition will continue throughout the summer and will be held every Thursday night at 7:00 pm at Panera Bread, 24133 Baywood Lane, Valencia. Registration begins at 6:00 pm, so come early.  The winner of Santa Clarita Idol will receive a professionally recorded 3 – Song demo, along with a prize package valued at hundreds of dollars.  The winner will also perform live as the Santa Clarita Idol on August 27th at the final City of Santa Clarita Concert in the Park.

If you or someone you know would like to enter the contest, check out the rules at www.hometownstation.com. 

by:  Judith Cassis