GRAND JUNCTION – A first step in the American Idol auditions process takes place Saturday, July 24, at Ashley Furniture Homestore, when the first 120 qualified Western Slope American Idol contestants vie for one coveted slot in the upcoming August American Idol auditions in Austin, Tex.

Interested parties must register on Friday, July 23, at the store, at 655 N. First St., in Grand Junction, at 1 p.m., where the first 120 qualified Western Slope Idol registrants will audition Saturday.

KFQX FOX-4, News Channel 5 and Ashley Furniture Homestore are joining forces to host this first stage of the American Idol audition process; the Western Slope winner gets roundtrip airfare for two from Grand Junction to Austin, Tex., as well as hotel accommodations in Austin and a guaranteed audition in front of an American Idol producer at the Wednesday, August 11 American Idol auditions in Austin.

“This one day could change someone’s life forever!” enthuses News Channel 5 General Manager Randy Stone. “I believe the next American Idol could be found right here in Grand Junction!”

News Channel 5 Co-Anchor Kevin Stanfield will be a judge for the Western Slope Idol competition. The winner of the contest will be announced live on News Channel 5, Saturday, July 24 at 10 p.m.

Contestants in the Western Slope Idol Contest must be between the ages of 15 and 28; if the contestant is under the age of 18, a legal parent or guardian must be present. All qualified participants must provide photo ID. No employee(s) of any sponsor of the event or immediate family member of any employee(s) of any sponsor of the event may participate in the FOX-4 Grand Junction Western Slope Idol competition.

KFQX FOX-4, News Channel 5 and Ashley Furniture Homestore encourage the community to attend the event. For even more information about the FOX-4 Grand Junction Western Slope Idol go to, www.KREXTV.com or visit www.americanidol.com for a complete list of rules and other national audition details.