What began as a fun promotion has grown into the largest and most highly anticipated annual competition in Chicago's GLBT community. Many winners have gone on to sing at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, Market Days and at festivals around Illinois, Milwaukee, and even Toronto. Plus the Windy City Gay Idol Finals in 2008 featured a then unknown Lady Gaga as a guest performer. So you never know what you will see and hear! You don't have to sing to be a part of it. Just come and vote!

Windy City Gay Idol, produced by Windy City Media Group, kicks off Wednesday, April 6 at the Glenwood Bar in Rogers Park, where the audience first heard the ultimate 2010 Windy City Gay Idol, Matt Rivera, sing for the first time. The competition continues through June with competitions in Chicago's bars and clubs.

Windy City Gay Idol 2011 preliminary competitions are one night only at different bars. As many as 20 participants sing at each venue, where all contestants compete for the chance to advance to the semi-finals Saturday, June 4 at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. Results from every preliminary, semi-final and final event come from audience votes. Votes from friends, family and audience members hopefully land them on the stage at the finals Saturday, June 18 at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted.

The 2011 Windy City Gay Idol Premium sponsor is Miller Lite. Other Sponsors include Creaoke and Ravinia. More to be announced.

With more than $5,000 in cash and prizes, all contestants will face local celebrity judges that include singers, DJs, actors, talent and casting agents, and others familiar with the performance arena.

Each winner collecting the most votes at each preliminary bar will win $100 cash. Two winners from each bar will advance to the semi-finals. Audience members at each bar also have the chance to win great prizes, such as Miller merchandise, concert and theatre tickets, new DVD & CD releases, and much more.

The finals feature big prizes for audience members as well as the top three contestants, including weekend stays at downtown hotels, vacation trips and tickets to top Chicago theaters and concert venues.

The finals winner crowned at Sidetrack is awarded $1,000 in cash, a dream vacation trip, Miller Lite premium gifts, theatre and concert tickets, plus the coveted title of Windy City Gay Idol 2011. The winner will also be given a chance to sing at a Chicago Cubs and a Chicago Sky women's pro basketball game this summer.

The event is open to all amateur singers age 21 and above, regardless of sexual orientation. There is a $10 signup fee for singers, and a $5 fee for audience members at all preliminary events. There is a $10 cover at the semi-finals and finals at Sidetrack.

The Windy City Gay Idol 2011 schedule:

Wednesday, April 6: The Glenwood, 6962 N Glenwood, 8 p.m. sign up, 9 p.m. start.

Monday, April 11: The Call, 1547 W Bryn Mawr Ave., 9 p.m. sign up, 10 p.m. start.

Thursday, April 14: Spin, 800 W. Belmont, 9 p.m. sign up, 10 p.m. start.

Thursday, April 21: Crew, 4810 N. Broadway, 8 p.m. sign up, 9 p.m. start.

Sunday, May 1: DS Tequila, 3352 N. Halsted, 8 p.m. sign up, 9 p.m. start.

Tuesday, May 3: Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark, 10 p.m. sign up, 11 p.m. start.

Sunday, May 8: T's bar, 5025 N. Clark, 7 p.m. sign up, 8 p.m. start.

Monday, May 16: Scarlet, 3320 N. Halsted, 8 p.m. sign up, 9 p.m. start.

Monday, May 23: WILD CARD, Roscoe's, 3356 N. Halsted, 8 p.m. door opens, 9 p.m. start. Invited guests plus open slots for new singers.

Sat., June 4: SEMI-FINALS, Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, 2 p.m. door opens, 3 p.m. start.

Sat., June 18: FINALS, Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, 2 p.m. door, 3 p.m. start.

Complete rules and regulations at www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=30946

Windy City Media Group ( WCMG ) produces Windy City Times, Nightspots, OUT! Resource Guide, Identity online, WindyCityQueercast.com and QueerTVNetwork.com . WCMG is also the producer of these annual events: Windy City Gay Idol, Gays Got Talent, 30 Under 30 and the Windy City Times Theater Series. To download all of our products visit www.windycitymediagroup.com . Send questions to publisher@windycitymediagroup.com or call ( 773 ) 871-7610.

Contact: Cynthia Holmes, Promotions Director

WCMGpromotions@gmail.com 734-834-0491