Personality-turned-producer Speros Batistatos is inviting musical talent from throughout Northwest Indiana to once again have the chance to shine and compete for the coveted title of “Region Idol.”
Launching Wednesday, May 27, and continuing for up to eight consecutive Wednesdays, the contest is inspired by the FOX-TV hit “American Idol” and Batistatos said Wednesday, “It promises thrilling performances and community excitement.”
The competition is hosted as a partnership with the city of Crown Point, Mayor Pete Land and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. The event is free for audiences and open to spectators of all ages.
“We look forward to seeing local musicians vie for this Region Idol title,” Mayor Land said.
“The local music scene is thriving in Crown Point, and this competition complements our existing free Summer Concert Series at Bulldog Park.”
The last time this competition was held was 20 years ago, in 2006, using the Hall of Justice venue space in Crown Point. At the time, Batistatos was the CEO and President for the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau and he welcomed more than 40 hopefuls to audition in the stage spotlight before the finalists were narrowed to 16.
Winners had the chance for more than $2,000 in cash and other prizes courtesy of sponsors like Albert’s Jewelers, The Post-Tribune, The Times of Northwest Indiana and WJOB 1230 AM. The cost for participants to enter was $5 and the judging panel consisted of South Shore Arts Executive Director John Cain, along with Ivy Tech Dean of Students Mark Malone and Hall of Justice Banquet Hall Manager Tracy Koval. Batistatos served as the emcee, and the competition was launched in 2004 and hosted for a second year in 2005.
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of local talent show rival “Hoosier Star,” based in LaPorte County and hosted by the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, which dreamed up the idea for a 2006 launch. LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Emily Yiannias announced last month that this will be the final year for the competition, which has auditions on April 25 at the Presbyterian Church in LaPorte with more details at www.lcso.net. The final contest is Sept. 12 at LaPorte Civic Auditorium.
“Hoosier Star has been one of our signature events, and we want it to go out on a high note as we plan for future events that bring the community together through the power of music,” Yiannias said.
Neither “Hoosier Star” nor “Region Idol” should be confused with “Region’s Got Talent,” which launched in March 2020, before the pandemic, and just celebrated year No. 7 with last month’s March 6 finals at Highland High School hosted by the Regional Performing Arts Company.
Batistatos said for this latest 2026 incarnation of his resurrected contest, which will be hosted in the outdoor stage space at Bulldog Park, attendees will enjoy a greater variety of amenities, including local food trucks, bar service for those 21 and older, and VIP parking in the Bank One lot. Contestants will perform on “a professional main stage managed by a dedicated sound engineer, giving them a true big stage experience.”
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Aspiring contestants can register for a $55 entry fee at www.regionidol.com, where additional event details and information are available.
This year’s crowned Region Idol winner will perform at The Taste of Crown Point on July 18 on stage in Bulldog Park.
Batistatos said sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple price points to support this community event. The city of Crown Point serves as the Diamond Sponsor, with Alberts Jewelers joining as the first Gold Sponsor. Interested in sponsorship, visit www.regionidol.com.
Batistatos said proceeds will benefit Cerebral Palsy of NWI, the dedicated local facility serving children and adults with Cerebral Palsy.
“Region Idol is a community-driven talent competition celebrating local musicians and fostering artistic growth in the Region,” Batistatos said.
“Region Idol is pleased to bring a renewed focus to live entertainment and creating opportunities for musicians to be heard and valued in our community.”
FIVE FUN YEARS
It’s already the fifth anniversary of the “Chicagoland Stand-up Comedy Show,” with headlining comics in the spotlight at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Hobart Art Theater. Doors open at 6 p.m. East Chicago’s Susana Rodriguez, the creator, producer and host of the show, said the Chicagoland Stand-up Comedy Show is the largest comedy showcase in Northwest Indiana, offering 325 seats for nightly fun.
“I had my first Chicagoland Stand-up Comedy Show in April 2021 at the Hobart Art Theater,” Rodriguez told me.
“The world was just opening up from the pandemic and people wanted and needed comedy. I had 200 people at that first show, with 56 of them being my friends and supporters. I had organized a bar show in the fall of 2020 and then found Hobart Art Theater. I had 2 shows in 2020 and then in 2021 till the present, we increased to four shows a year.”
She said her branding with the name “Chicagoland Stand-up Comedy Show” originated from her childhood desire “to go to Chicago while growing up in Northwest Indiana.”
“I knew that I wanted to incorporate Chicago comedians into my show, and of course, being from Northwest Indiana, you know you can’t claim Chicago or the Chicagoans will get upset at you. I still pinch myself that it’s happening. My show consists of seven Chicago comedians, including myself. I rotate different comedians on each show. I produce and host the show and April 11 is my 20th Chicagoland Stand-up Comedy show at Hobart Art.”
For tickets, visit www.brickartlive.com or call 219-942-1670.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and weekly radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at [email protected].