WBKR » battle for the big o http://wbkr.com Sat, 18 May 2013 20:57:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 Former WBKR Battle for the Big O Finalist Voted Off American Idol [Audio] http://wbkr.com/former-wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-voted-off-american-idol-audio/ http://wbkr.com/former-wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-voted-off-american-idol-audio/#comments Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:14:03 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=159543 Paul Jolley's run on American Idol is over.  The former WBKR Battle for the Big O finalist leaned last night that he was this week's lowest vote-getter and he was ushered off the show in 9th place.  WBKR American Idol expert, Steve Thompson, called the WBKR Waking Crew this morning to share his thoughts about Paul's departure and which of the remaining eight contestants is the favorite to win!

]]> http://wbkr.com/former-wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-voted-off-american-idol-audio/feed/ 0 (image from AmericanIdol.com/Fox) Former WBKR Battle for the Big O Finalist Paul Jolley Sings for Your Votes Tonight on American Idol [Video] http://wbkr.com/former-wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-paul-jolley-sings-for-your-votes-tonight-on-american-idol-video/ http://wbkr.com/former-wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-paul-jolley-sings-for-your-votes-tonight-on-american-idol-video/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:00:41 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=155855 Finally!  If you have been watching American Idol this season, you have probably spent a lot of time scratching your head like I have.  Some folks that I have been rooting for have been cast aside.  Others, who I don't get at all, have been passed through to the live shows.  But tonight and Wednesday, America, our voices get to be heard.  Twenty contestants remain and our votes will determine who makes it into the Top 10.  Among the folks in the running, former WBKR Battle for the Big O finalist, Paul Jolley!

]]> http://wbkr.com/former-wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-paul-jolley-sings-for-your-votes-tonight-on-american-idol-video/feed/ 0 (YouTube/American Idol) Owensboro's Jenny Beth Willis on American Idol Tonight [Video] http://wbkr.com/owensboros-jenny-beth-willis-on-american-idoltonight-video/ http://wbkr.com/owensboros-jenny-beth-willis-on-american-idoltonight-video/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:00:21 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/owensboros-jenny-beth-willis-on-american-idoltonight-video/ Last week, the boys stepped to the plate during Hollywood Week on American Idol.  When the smoke cleared, just  28 of them remained, including former WBKR Battle for the Big O finalist Paul Jolley.  Now, tonight, all the girls who made it through Idol's initial audition rounds arrive for the dreaded Hollywood week.  Among them, Owensboro's Jenny Beth Willis.  Can she survive the drama and make the Top 40?

]]> http://wbkr.com/owensboros-jenny-beth-willis-on-american-idoltonight-video/feed/ 0 (image from Facebook) Watch for Owensboro's Jenny Beth Willis on American Idol Hollywood Week [Video] http://wbkr.com/watch-for-owensboros-jenny-beth-willis-on-american-idol-hollywood-week-video/ http://wbkr.com/watch-for-owensboros-jenny-beth-willis-on-american-idol-hollywood-week-video/#comments Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:00:39 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=149241 Hundreds survived American Idol's auditions and made it to Hollywood.  Now, only a handful will survive to compete for a chance to perform on the live shows.  American Idol is on tonight and two contestants with WBKR ties are in the hunt!  Can they survive the drama that is Hollywood week?

]]> http://wbkr.com/watch-for-owensboros-jenny-beth-willis-on-american-idol-hollywood-week-video/feed/ 0 (image from Facebook) Former Battle for the Big O Finalist Paul Jolley Featured on American Idol [Video] http://wbkr.com/former-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-paul-jolley-featured-on-american-idol-video/ http://wbkr.com/former-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-paul-jolley-featured-on-american-idol-video/#comments Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:34:48 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=145642 This is VERY exciting.  Paul Jolley, who two years ago was a finalist in WBKR's Battle for The Big O talent competition, is going to Hollywood!  Paul was featured on last night's episode on American Idol and was shown auditioning before the judges in Baton Rouge.  Take a look at Paul's performance and see what the judges had to say about his powerful voice and story!

]]> http://wbkr.com/former-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-paul-jolley-featured-on-american-idol-video/feed/ 0 YouTube Two Acts Tied for Second at Battle for the Big O [Video] http://wbkr.com/two-acts-tied-for-second-at-battle-for-the-big-o-video/ http://wbkr.com/two-acts-tied-for-second-at-battle-for-the-big-o-video/#comments Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:00:48 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=91653 Last Saturday, we crowned the champion of the 2012 Battle for the Big O!  It was an amazing night of competition at Diamond Lake's "Good Time" Theatre and the grand champion was Brian Hart of Henderson.  He pocketed $1,000.00 and gets the honor of opening The Big O Music Fest, Saturday, August 18th at Reid's Orchard.  Brian was awesome Saturday . . . but got a run for his money from two different acts:  Dakota Cummins and Ryan Hayden and The Bourbon Barrel Band.  Since the score was SO close, we thought you should see our runners-up too!  They were terrific and missed the title by a mere FOUR points!  TAKE A LOOK!

]]> http://wbkr.com/two-acts-tied-for-second-at-battle-for-the-big-o-video/feed/ 0 Skylar Cain To Perform at Battle for the Big O Finale [Video] http://wbkr.com/skylar-cain-to-perform-at-battle-for-the-big-o-finale-video/ http://wbkr.com/skylar-cain-to-perform-at-battle-for-the-big-o-finale-video/#comments Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:00:43 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=88150 Saturday night's finale for the Battle for the Big O is already a star-studded line-up.  That night, eight phenomenal tri-state music acts will fight for the chance to win $500 and open for Blake Shelton at the 2012 Big O Music Festival at Reid's Orchard in Owensboro.  And now, WBKR is pleased to announce a very special guest performer who will be keeping the audience entertained while our judges deliberate and choose the winner.  Yep!  She's 9-year-old Skylar Cain, who recently performed at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville.  On Saturday night, she'll be performing for us.  Here's a sneak peak!

]]> http://wbkr.com/skylar-cain-to-perform-at-battle-for-the-big-o-finale-video/feed/ 0 Meet Marshall Dowdy: Battle for the Big O Finalist #8 [Video] http://wbkr.com/meet-marshall-dowdy-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-8-video/ http://wbkr.com/meet-marshall-dowdy-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-8-video/#comments Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:00:13 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=83233 Over the last couple of weeks here at WBKR.com, we have introduced you to all the acts competing in the finale of our 2012 Battle for the Big O.  It's our annual competition where we search for someone to open the Big O Music Fest.  It's a great opportunity to open for huge names in country music and step on a stage in front of thousands to get your music heard!  On Saturday, August 4th, WBKR will head to Diamond Lake's "Good Time" Theatre for our Battle finale event in which our eight finalists will compete for $500 and the right to open for Blake Shelton at this year's Big O Music Fest.  Among those finalists, Marshall Dowdy of Marshall County, Kentucky.  He came to our Battle audition at Towne Square Mall and, appropriately, rocked out Blake Shelton's "Ol Red."  WATCH!

]]> http://wbkr.com/meet-marshall-dowdy-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-8-video/feed/ 0 Meet Blake Knott: Battle for the Big O Finalist #7 [Video] http://wbkr.com/meet-blake-knott-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-7-video/ http://wbkr.com/meet-blake-knott-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-7-video/#comments Tue, 24 Jul 2012 10:00:44 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=83229 The 2012 Battle for the Big O finale is coming up Saturday, August 4th at Diamond Lake Campground and Resort.  Eight acts from around the tri-state will compete for $500 and the opportunity to take the stage at the 2012 Big O Music Fest and open for Blake Shelton, Tracy Lawrence, Jo Dee Messina and more!  The youngest of our eight finalists is Blake Knott from Hawesville, Kentucky.  After auditioning at Towne Square Mall, he was offered a wild card invitation to the finale from our panel of judges.  Check him out!

]]> http://wbkr.com/meet-blake-knott-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-7-video/feed/ 0 Meet Dakota Cummins: Battle for the Big O Finalist #6 [Video] http://wbkr.com/meet-dakota-cummins-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-6-video/ http://wbkr.com/meet-dakota-cummins-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-6-video/#comments Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:00:09 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=83225 In late June, Dakota Cummins and Eddie Goins were in Owensboro for ROMP.  During their trip they happened to stop by Towne Square Mall at the same time we were setting up for our final Battle for the Big O audition.  Eddie came over to me and asked what was going on.  He saw the stage, the sound equipment and the judges' table, so he knew something was up.  I explained to him that we were searching for an act to open the 2012 Big O Music Fest starring Blake Shelton.  So, Eddie quickly turned to Dakota and said, "Wanna go back to the hotel and get your mandolin?"  Dakota said, "Sure."  And we're sure glad they did!  Check this out!  AMAZING!!

]]> http://wbkr.com/meet-dakota-cummins-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-6-video/feed/ 0 Ryan Hayden & The Bourbon Barrel Band: Battle for Big O Finalists #5 [Video] http://wbkr.com/ryan-hayden-the-bourbon-barrel-band-battle-for-big-o-finalists-5-video/ http://wbkr.com/ryan-hayden-the-bourbon-barrel-band-battle-for-big-o-finalists-5-video/#comments Sat, 21 Jul 2012 14:41:27 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=83221 A couple of weeks ago here at WBKR.com, we introduced you to our first four finalists for the 2012 Battle for the Big O, our exciting talent competition in which we find an act to open the Big O Music Festival coming up August 18th at Reid's Orchard.  Now, we're going to start introducing you to the rest of the acts in the running for our $500 grand prize.  Meet Ryan Hayden & The Bourbon Barrel Band from Owensboro!  They showed up at our open-call audition at Towne Square Mall and rocked out "Liza Jane."  WATCH!

]]> http://wbkr.com/ryan-hayden-the-bourbon-barrel-band-battle-for-big-o-finalists-5-video/feed/ 0 Buy Tickets HERE for the Battle For the Big O – Final Opener Competition! http://wbkr.com/buy-tickets-here-for-the-battle-for-the-big-o-final-opener-competition/ http://wbkr.com/buy-tickets-here-for-the-battle-for-the-big-o-final-opener-competition/#comments Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:22:46 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=82423 The field is set. Now, let the BATTLE begin! Tickets are on sale NOW for the 2012 Battle for the Big O, Saturday, August 4th at Diamond Lake Campground's "Good Time" Theatre and are only $9.25 each! We had some amazing acts show up and qualify for this special finale event. To find out who made the cut and to get your tickets for the show, KEEP READING or click HERE!!

]]> http://wbkr.com/buy-tickets-here-for-the-battle-for-the-big-o-final-opener-competition/feed/ 0 (Image from CMAFest.com) Get Your Tickets for The Battle for the Big O!! http://wbkr.com/finalists-named-for-battle-for-the-big-o/ http://wbkr.com/finalists-named-for-battle-for-the-big-o/#comments Mon, 09 Jul 2012 05:00:16 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=77223 The field is set.  Now, let the BATTLE begin!  Tickets are on sale NOW for the 2012 Battle for the Big O, Saturday, August 4th at Diamond Lake Campground's "Good Time" Theatre!  It's American Idol meets Nashville Star meets WBKR and it's one of the most entertaining shows you'll see all year!   And the musical acts we have lined up this season are PHENOMENAL!!  Throughout the month of June, we held a series of "open-call" auditions to find the best musical talent the tri-state has to offer.  We had some amazing acts show up and qualify for this special finale event.  To find out who made the cut and to get your tickets for the show, KEEP READING or click HERE!!

]]> http://wbkr.com/finalists-named-for-battle-for-the-big-o/feed/ 0 Big O Headliner: BLAKE SHELTON (image from Blake's Facebook page) WBKR Battle for the Big O Finalist #4: Jenny Beth Willis [Video] http://wbkr.com/wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-4-jenny-beth-willis-video/ http://wbkr.com/wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-4-jenny-beth-willis-video/#comments Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:00:36 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=78201 Here at WBKR.com, we are thrilled to introduce you to the finalists for the 2012 Battle for the Big O presnted by Henderson Chevy Buick GMC.  Our finale event is 7pm, Saturday, August 4th at Diamond Lake Campground and Resort and 8 regional acts will “battle” it out for $500 and the chance to open the Big O Music Festival.  Tickets for that event are $9.25 and go on sale Monday, July 9th at WBKR studios, WBKR.com and Diamond Lake.  Today’s featured finalist is the only female act to make the cut this year!  This is Jenny Beth Willis from Owensboro, KY!

]]> http://wbkr.com/wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-4-jenny-beth-willis-video/feed/ 0 WBKR Battle for the Big O Finalist #3: Brian Hart [Video] http://wbkr.com/wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-3-brian-hart-video/ http://wbkr.com/wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-3-brian-hart-video/#comments Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:41:35 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=78196 Here at WBKR.com, we are thrilled to introduce you to the finalists for the 2012 Battle for the Big O presnted by Henderson Chevy Buick GMC.  Our finale event is 7pm, Saturday, August 4th at Diamond Lake Campground and Resort and 8 regional acts will “battle” it out for $500 and the chance to open the Big O Music Festival.  Tickets for that event are $9.25 and go on sale Monday, July 9th at WBKR studios, WBKR.com and Diamond Lake.  Today’s featured finalist is Brian Hart from Henderson, KY!  Check him out!

]]> http://wbkr.com/wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-3-brian-hart-video/feed/ 0 WBKR Battle for the Big O Finalist #2: Rodney Watts [Video] http://wbkr.com/wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-2-rodney-watts-video/ http://wbkr.com/wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-2-rodney-watts-video/#comments Tue, 03 Jul 2012 12:48:19 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=77667 Here at WBKR.com, we are thrilled to introduce you to the finalists for the 2012 Battle for the Big O presnted by Henderson Chevy Buick GMC.  Our finale event is 7pm, Saturday, August 4th at Diamond Lake Campground and Resort and 8 regional acts will "battle" it out for $500 and the chance to open the Big O Music Festival.  Tickets for that event are $9.25 and go on sale Monday, July 9th at WBKR studios, WBKR.com and Diamond Lake.  Today's featured finalist is Rodney Watts, from Vine Grove, KY!  Check him out!

]]> http://wbkr.com/wbkr-battle-for-the-big-o-finalist-2-rodney-watts-video/feed/ 0 Final Battle For Big O Audition Saturday! http://wbkr.com/final-battle-for-big-o-audition-saturday/ http://wbkr.com/final-battle-for-big-o-audition-saturday/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2012 02:16:38 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=76763 It's all come down to this.  One more audition.  One more shot at the Battle For The Big O finale event which is coming up Saturday, August 4th at Diamond Lake Campground and Resort. 

]]> http://wbkr.com/final-battle-for-big-o-audition-saturday/feed/ 0 Rick Diamond, Getty Images Battle for The Big O Resumes Tonight at Jimbo's http://wbkr.com/more-audition-sites-added-for-battle-for-the-big-o/ http://wbkr.com/more-audition-sites-added-for-battle-for-the-big-o/#comments Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:25:57 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=71229 The 2012 Battle for the Big O continues this week with back-to-back auditions Friday and Saturday!  Our audition rounds kicked off about a week ago at The Sandbar in Owensboro and we want to send a huge CONGRATULATIONS out to Rodney Watts of Vine Grove, Kentucky and Daniel Epperson of Rockport, Indiana!   Both qualified for our grand finale on Saturday, August 4th at Diamond Lake Campground and Resort.  We're looking for an act to open The Big O Music Fest in August.  That's right!  Our champion is going to win $500 and get the chance to open for Blake Shelton, Tracy Lawrence, Jo Dee Messina, Gloriana, Lo Cash Cowboys, Joanna Smith, and WBKR's very own Jaclyn Graves.  We have three open auditions left with two coming up this week at Jimbo's Sports Bar and Owensboro RV! 

]]> http://wbkr.com/more-audition-sites-added-for-battle-for-the-big-o/feed/ 0 Battle for Big O Auditions Friday at Jimbo's Sports Bar (Image from Facebook) Battle For The Big O Auditions Begin Friday at The Sandbar http://wbkr.com/battle-for-the-big-o-auditions-begin-friday-at-the-sandbar/ http://wbkr.com/battle-for-the-big-o-auditions-begin-friday-at-the-sandbar/#comments Mon, 04 Jun 2012 10:00:34 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=69732

The Battle for the Big O is back!  And our 2012 audition season begins THIS Friday night, June 8th, at The Sandbar on West 9th Street in Owensboro.  We are looking for a music act to open the Big O Music Festival coming up August 18th at Reids Orchard in Owensboro.  One lucky winner is going to pocket $500 and open for Blake Shelton, Tracy Lawrence, Jo Dee Messina, Gloriana, Lo Cash Cowboys, Joanna Smith, and WBKR's very own Jaclyn Graves.  If you think you have the talent to take the stage, keep reading for official Battle For The Big O rules!

]]> http://wbkr.com/battle-for-the-big-o-auditions-begin-friday-at-the-sandbar/feed/ 0 From The Sandbar's Facebook Page Battle For The Big O Auditions Announced! http://wbkr.com/battle-for-the-big-o-auditions-announced/ http://wbkr.com/battle-for-the-big-o-auditions-announced/#comments Mon, 28 May 2012 10:00:36 +0000 Chadwick Benefield http://wbkr.com/?p=67469 It is back!  The Battle For The Big O presented by Henderson Chevy Buick GMC returns to The Country Station, 92.5 WBKR!  This is YOUR chance to win $500 and open for Blake Shelton, Tracy Lawrence, Jo Dee Messina and others at the 2012 Big O Music Fest at Reid's Orchard, Saturday, August 18th.  We are pleased to announce our first round of audition dates and official rules for the contest.  If you know someone who has the talent to share the stage with some of the biggest names in country music . . . KEEP READING!!

]]> http://wbkr.com/battle-for-the-big-o-auditions-announced/feed/ 0 The Big O Music Fest (Big O Official Facebook page)