PRESQUE ISLE – Plans to make the final Aroostook Idol show a televised event have been pushed by the wayside to take into account one important element – a live audience.

Officials with the United Way of Aroostook, who are organizing all the local “Idol” events, recently held a press conference to announce the change in venue as well as a few surprises for the finale.

Aroostook Idol is patterned after, but not affiliated with the Fox Television singing contest show “American Idol.”

Originally, organizers planned to present the finale as a televised program, allowing viewers to call in and pledge a donation for their top pick. The finalist who raised the most money would be declared the winner.

Those plans changed, however, after organizers wrapped up three live semifinal stage shows this winter – in Fort Kent, Houlton and Presque Isle – and witnessed the interaction between contestants and audience members.

“We feel we’ve been very successful with the stage show,” Jason Parent, UWA president, said during the Friday press conference. “It’s a format that our contestants and the audience enjoyed.”

Parent added that officials were never sure how much money they would raise with a televised event and that the live show would allow the finale to be all about the talent contest.

Organizers have scheduled the finale stage show for April 8 at the Caribou Performing Arts Center, the largest available venue in Aroostook County suitable for the finale. CPAC seats about 800 people.

Audience members will play a bigger role during the finale than they did in the three semifinal events – their votes alone will decide which finalist is named the Aroostook Idol, and only those who attend the event will get to cast a vote. The winner they choose will receive a prize package valued at more than $300, donated by local businesses.

Three judges, Sherrill Campbell, Bonnie Bouchard and Scott Voisine, still will take part in the show, but only to critique the finalists.

Along with showcasing the three finalists – Megan Ouellette of Van Buren, Lance Sullivan of Ashland and Renee Cavagnaro of Caribou – organizers had several surprises up their sleeves for the event.

The first and second runners-up from the three semifinal shows as well as several “favorite” picks have been invited to sing during the finale. First and second runners-up include Adam Ouellette of Frenchville, Klinte Michaeux of Grand Isle, Dawson Graham of Weston, Nicholas Foster of Linneus, Christine St. Pierre of Fort Fairfield and Jarad Carney of Washburn.

Favorite picks include Caroline Devoe of Houlton, Keri Hanning of Houlton, Julie Shaw of Westfield, Melbourne Smith of Easton, Samantha Boutot of Fort Kent and Pam Cyr of Fort Kent.

Also during the finale, the top three contestants will perform a final number arranged by Judge Bonnie Bouchard.

Finally, a special video presentation featuring all 40 Aroostook Idol contestants will be shown during the stage show. UWA Executive Director Claudia Stevens and UWA Campaign Chairman Dennis Curley will introduce the video.

Stevens said during the press conference that Aroostook Idol is the second-largest special fund-raiser that the UWA has held. During its annual telethon, the organization typically raises about $20,000, but by the time tickets are sold for the finale show, organizers expect the event to net about $25,000.

“It’s been an amazing ride,” Parent said. “We’ve benefited from the American Idol craze that is out there.”

The Aroostook Idol finale will begin at 7 p.m. April 8 at the Caribou Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets will be available at all KeyBank branches in Aroostook County, Ezzy’s Music Shop in Van Buren, Northern Musical Supply in Houlton and the United Way office in Presque Isle.