By Dawn Brand Fluhler—
MUNCIE, IN— The search for the 2025 DWNTWN IDOL is now on, leading to a thrilling finale at ArtsWalk on October 2. Contestants will compete for a $500 cash prize, a trophy, and future community performance opportunities.
Hosted by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP), DWNTWN IDOL features two open-mic audition rounds. All auditions are karaoke-style vocals only, with no live instrumental accompaniment. Contestants must record their performance and have their music pre-loaded on a phone or laptop. An auxiliary cord will be provided at each location.
How to Audition
Contestants can audition during one of two rounds at either of the following locations:
Round One Selection:
- Auditions
- The Heorot (21+): Thursdays, 8 p.m.–12 a.m., April 3–May 15
- The Common Market (All Ages): Saturdays, 6–10 p.m., April 5–May 17
- One week of public voting.
- The top 20 qualifiers will advance to perform live at the Brink of Summer ArtsWalk on June 5. Ten finalists will move on to the finale.
Round Two Selection:
- Auditions
- The Heorot (21+): Thursdays, 8 p.m.–12 a.m, June 5–July 17
- The Common Market (All Ages): Saturdays, 6–10 p.m., June 7–July 19
- One week of public voting.
- The top 20 qualifiers will perform live at Fire Up DWNTWN on August 2, with ten finalists advancing to the finale.
Audition Video Submission & Public Voting
After each audition, contestants must upload their video online and submit it using the form at downtownmuncie.org/dwntwn-idol-audition. Audition videos will be posted online for a week (Round 1: May 18–24, Round 2: July 19–26) for fans to vote for their favorites. Finalists will be chosen based on public votes and judges’ feedback during Brink of Summer ArtsWalk and Fire Up DWNTWN performances.
Final Performance at ArtsWalk
Twenty finalists will compete for the title of DWNTWN IDOL 2025 at ArtsWalk on Thursday, October 2.
“This is one of DWNTWN’s most exciting events, providing a platform for local talent,” said MDDP Events Director Cheryl Crowder. “The live performances bring great energy, drawing large crowds that support and celebrate Muncie’s artists.”
For a complete schedule, visit downtownmuncie.org/dwntwn-idol. Contestants can contact cheryl@downtownmuncie.org with questions.
About Muncie Downtown Development Partnership
Muncie Downtown Development Partnership’s roots go as far back as 1983. Its mission is: to create a downtown environment that results in sustainable economic and cultural growth. It does this, in part, by uniting the community through the common love of living, working, and playing in DWNTWN. Visit www.downtownmuncie.org
