Aggies looking for their own idol

The Texas A&M baseball team is searching for the first ever "Aggieland Idol" who will perform the National Anthem to kick off games at the new Blue Bell Park this season.

Area residents are encouraged to try out for the musical talent contest at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 at Burkhart Auditorium in Kyle Field.

Annie Stoltenberg, a spokeswoman for A&M baseball, said contestants will have one minute to showcase their abilities and performances can include instruments and be the song of their choice.

"A live National Anthem is an old-time baseball tradition and we haven't done them at every game in the past," she said. "It was something that Coach [Rob] Childress really wanted this year."

Childress will be part of a three-judge panel that also includes Candy 95.5 hosts Frito and Alli.

Average attendance for 2011 home games was nearly 4,000, and those numbers are expected to grow considering the team's success last season and the opening of Blue Bell Park, Stoltenberg said.

"It's a really a good stage to perform," she said. "Last year we had over 8,000 people come out for Texas game."

While judges will be making selections based on the caliber of the performances, officials emphasized that anyone interested in the opportunity should come out.

And non-performers are encouraged to come watch the show, she said.

Members of the baseball team will be at the auditions to listen to the acts and sign autographs.

The $24 million stadium renovation project is expected to be completed in time for the season opener on Feb. 17 against Illinios-Chicago.

Registration for the contest will open at 6 p.m.

For more information, email Stoltenberg at astoltenberg@athletics.tamu.edu.