FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
With the Oct. 4 semi-finals just around the corner, the pressure is on for the five contestants still standing in Fort Eustis' Operation Rising Star competition.
ORS is an annual Army-wide singing competition, offering contestants a multitude of prizes and the opportunity of a lifetime for one lucky contestant, said Sherri Noland, 733rd Force Support Division chief of marketing.
"Anyone who can sing really has a chance to win, and the prizes are phenomenal," said Noland. "The winner receives $500 and moves on to the Army-wide finals."
Progression to the finals means competing against 11 other winners from different installations for the grand prize of $1,000 and a three-song, all-expense-paid record deal.
The rules of the event are similar to TV competitions of the same nature. Before the finals, 50 percent of the verdict comes from audience response, and the other half comes from the judges' decisions. For the final round, only the judges' votes count.
During the Sept. 27 competition, competitors had the option to utilize instruments, props and could interact with the crowd. No matter the style of performance, one thing was abundantly clear, said Edward Donaldson, ORS judge.
"All of you have a lot more confidence in this round," said Donaldson to the contestants. "This is shaping up to be a competition of talent instead of nerves, which is really great for everyone watching!"
Donaldson and the other judges did note some pre-show jitters from the contestants, but overall the performers improved upon their talents in this round. They also gave the contestants some pointers for the Oct. 4 competition, such as how to utilize their props and where the strengths and weaknesses lie in their entire performance.
Sarah Hopkins, a military family member, was the last of the contestants to compete, and after a three-hour drive due to traffic, she was happy to be able to present her talents once again for the crowd.
"I'm competing because I genuinely adore performing," said Hopkins. "After seeing an offer for the competition in the paper, I signed up."
Even though she lives in Mechanicsville, Hopkins said she tries to bring as many people as possible to the event.
"I always bring a car full of friends to these competitions," said Hopkins. "Whether I win or not, I know it will be fun, and they can bet on a 'S'mores' party when we get back home!"
Noland believes all the contestants should follow in Hopkins' footsteps and bring out more people to both improve their chances of winning and to enjoy the entertainment.
"The more people that show up, the more exciting the whole event becomes," said Noland. "Not only can friends and families give the contestants their support, but the most supportive unit or Family Readiness Group will win $300."
Whether in it for the money, the prestige or the entertainment, the contestants are all revved up for the final competition. Noland, Hopkins and Donaldson all agree that Oct. 4 will be bigger and better, and most of all it will bring Fort Eustis closer to discovering this year's Rising Star.