90 audition for 2017 'Oh Say Can You Sing' contest

Channel 4's annual singing competition is back for its 4th year

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ninety talented people on Tuesday auditioned for "Oh Say Can You Sing," Channel 4's annual singing competition. 

The auditions were held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. at the 5 & Dime Theater downtown. 

The two different time slots brought in people to perform a few bars of their favorite songs.

"I'm here because I want to make my family proud and I want to share some of the national talent that I've had for many years," said David Kratzer, who auditioned for the competition.

There were lots of young faces involved.

"(It's) really fun," Isabella Torres said.

There was also lots of excitement -- and even some nerves for fans of the singers. 

"I'm more nervous. I'm shaking right now. So it's very nerve-wracking to see her do it," said Tammy Lynch, whose daughter, Olivia Lynch, auditioned. 

The teen even shared some advice.

"Try it! You know, it's not whether you're good at it, it's getting out there and getting experience. And then you can get better after that and you can go and try it again. It's not going to hold you back from what you need to do," said Olivia Lynch, who auditioned. 

The next step? Callbacks.

The top contestants will be invited to sing again for the judges in early May.

Then, four finalists will be chosen to sing live on a June 29 primetime special. Viewers will then have five minutes to vote for a winner, live on uSay via the News4Jax app and website.

The singer with the most votes will be crowned the 'Oh Say Can You Sing' champion and take home a $500 prize. The winner will sing the National Anthem live on Channel 4's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular broadcast.


About the Author:

Kent Justice co-anchors News4Jax's 5 p.m., 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights and reports on government and politics. He also hosts "This Week in Jacksonville," Channel 4's hot topics and politics public affairs show each Sunday morning at 9 a.m.