GEM STATE SINGER

Head to our Facebook and instagram accounts to vote for your favorites to get in the top 8!

Head to the bottom of our website for instructions on how to audition!! We can't wait to hear you!

This is the fifth annual Gem State Singer vocal competition, happening at the Eastern Idaho State Fair West Events Stage on Tuesday September 8, 2026 at 7 pm.

8 lucky finalists will compete live at the Eastern Idaho State Fair for judges votes.

COMPETITION DETAILS

*Auditions will open August 17, 2026 and will stay open until August 24, 2026!

*No late auditions will be accepted.

*Must be 14 or older to audition.

*If younger than 18, must have legal guardians permission.

*Must be able to attend event September 8, 2026.

at the Eastern Idaho State Fair West Events Stage.

*Each audition is $10 (Venmo-@heatherhathaway96, non refundable).

*Auditions must be paid for before we will listen to audition.

*Those auditioning must give us their name, email, a short bio, and a YouTube link to their 90 second audition in the audition boxes below (more details there).

*Auditions must be uploaded to YouTube and a link must be copy and pasted in the box below.

*Top 12 will be chosen August 25th and posted to our social media. They will then be invited to share our posts to receive likes/comments/shares. There will be another panel of judges to pick the Top 6, and then the 2 with the most likes/shares/comments on social media, will move on making a Top 8 that will perform at the live event at the Eastern Idaho State Fair.

*Top 8 will be announced September 1, 2026.

*Top 8 will be invited to come to the fair and perform one song for our judges.

*The judges will judge each contestant on different aspects of their performance and choose the winner.

*1st, 2nd, and 3rd will be chosen.

*Only 1st place will be awarded money, 2nd and 3rd will be awarded prizes and gift cards.

*The winner of our competition will receive cash and prizes.

JUDGES AND HOST

HEATHER HATHAWAY

Creator/Judge

Heather Hathaway is so excited to bring this vocal competition to the Eastern Idaho State Fair for its fourth year. Heather has been married to her best friend, Jason, for 8 years and is a stay at home mom to her two adorable kids. Heather was born and raised here in Eastern Idaho. She has always loved to sing and preform. She has had the opportunity to sing at the fair for 10 years on the Big Dog Stage, Idaho Idol, and the Gem State Classic Rodeo. She has also sang for The Vocalist in Afton, Wyoming, the War Bonnet Round Up, Wild Bill Days, and has sung the National Anthem for the Utah Jazz. She is so excited to see the amazing talent we have here in Eastern Idaho.

CHRISTINA STUTZMAN

Judge

Christina Stutzman 29 year old from Idaho falls Idaho. She loves her life of being a mom and wife. She had the opportunity to be on americas got talent back in 2010 with her sister. They made the top ten and got to go on a 24 city tour. They traveled around the country for years inspirational speaking and singing. Christina is a vocal coach and the producer of SOS (singers on stage) production group. She has helped raised over $100,000 for many charities.

Christina was also on this past season of American Idol. Shes so thankful for the opportunity to be a judge tonight.

KAYDEE MICKELSON

Host

Kaydee Mickelsen is a 31 year old from Shelley Idaho. She has spent the past 10 years in the pageant industry either competing or coaching and has had the opportunity to hold the title of Miss Idaho Falls, Miss Shelley and even United States of America’s Miss Idaho 2023.
With her degree in business, Kaydee helps to manage her family’s restaurant - Mick’s Home Cooking, where she has worked for the past 18 years.
Kaydee loves to read, exercise, and spend time with her family, dogs, cats, and chickens.

Kaydee became a mom to an adorable little boy this year.

Paige Anne

Judge

Paige Anne is a dynamic powerhouse vocalist, recording artist, and seasoned live performer from Idaho Falls, Idaho. Best known to national audiences for her standout journey into the Top 20 on Season 21 of ABC’s American Idol, Paige has been captivating live crowds with her mature, soulful tone and magnetic stage presence since she first stepped into the spotlight at just six years old.