Have you ever dreamed of being on the hit show American Idol? Do you know someone who you feel as though would be a perfect candidate for the show? Gaithersburg High School’s own senior just might be on his way to do such a thing! Senior Patrick Prebula participated in a local contest called Broadway Idol on April 14, 2007. Several children, pre-teens and teenagers from Montgomery County come together to the Randolph Road Theater to sing a song of their choice, and compete for a live audience. Patrick Prebula was the first-place winner by default because he was the only one of his section to show up for the show. However Patrick Prebula wouldn’t have had it anyway. “I was really happy that I was the only one to show up because I ended up getting to sing the whole song rather than just the two minutes you are originally allowed to have” he said.



The process to participate in this competitive and fun show is simple. If interested you send in a tape of you singing the song you wish to sing during the show. Prebula chose to sing “This is the Moment” by Frank Wildhorn from the musical Jekyll and Hyde. You then get a response from the judges about whether or not you can sing the song and you are set to go. You then perform in front of about 100 people and the audience votes for their top choices, in order from best to least. When asked how he felt about his performance Prebula responded, “It was a good experience. I feel like any experience is a good experience. And you get really good critique from the judges.” Finally, the winner is announced and they are given their prizes – 2 hours of free studio recording time, $100, free headshots and a free voice lesson at the Musical Theater Center.



Now that Prebula has won, he is really excited to get be able to use all of his fabulous prizes. Music and acting are his passions, and recording time is the perfect opportunity for him to move in the right direction. In his free time, Prebula has been writing his own musical. It has been about three years since he started and it is soon to be finished! He has written six songs for the musical and hopes to write more.



So to all out there who have dreams of one day becoming famous or for those who have friends that have strong potential – this could be an experience to partake in. The exposure and prizes are helpful and the experience is a lot of fun. “I would definitely do it again” Prebula states with a smile.