ETX Idol judges announced

From the Broadway stage to the American Idol stage, these East Texas residents bring impressive resumes to East Texas Idol.

Over the last weeks KLTV and KTRE have been making preparations for the second annual East Texas Idol event in which 15 finalists will perform onstage for the judges. All this for a chance to win a 'Silver Ticket' to an American Idol judge city. You can watch the live event Friday on East Texas Now and interact on social media to cheer on your favorite East Texas Idol contestant using the hashtag #EastTexasIdol.

The 2018 judging panel features two former American Idol contestants and a former Broadway actress!

Megan Magill

Megan is originally from Tyler, Texas, and was a working actress in New York City for almost a decade. Megan has her Bachelors in Musical Theatre and is a member of Actors Equity Association.  She has performed all over the country in Broadway National Tours, as well as regional theatre.  In addition, she has done several shows in New York where she received critical acclaim by the New York media.  Some favorite credits include: You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (Sally Brown) at the Lucille Lortel Theatre and the original musical, Soon of a Mornin which was presented at the prestigious New York Musical Theatre Festival.  Megan first performed the role of Sally in Andrew Lippa's musical/workshop Merry Christmas Charlie Brown. Megan's love for theatre incorporated with her love for children, is what led her to open Magill Musical Theatre Studio here in Tyler, TX. Megan is married to singer/songwriter Matt Magill, and the pair has performed as The Magills all over the world.

Learn more about Megan and Matt.
Learn more about the Magill Musical Theatre Studio.

R.J. Norman

In 2006, R.J. Norman won a golden ticket to Hollywood after his audition for American Idol. He used that experience as a judge last year at the inaugural East Texas Idol and we are happy to have him back on the Liberty Hall stage as a judge this year. After Hollywood, he later went on to sing in a local rock blues band called Sunset Veil. He holds a degree in theatre from TJC and can be seen performing around East Texas as a member of the comedic improv troupe, Card 53. The group, which was founded in 2009, performs regularly at Liberty Hall and is available for public and private events as well as corporate leadership training. Tickets are available online for their next performance on September 22. ?R.J. is married to his best friend Natalie and enjoys making life stay young and fun with his 6 year old son, Ryder.

Learn more about Card 53.
Follow Card 53 on Facebook.

Billie Jo

Billie Jo is a singer/songwriter from Lindale. She has been singing and performing all over Texas for about 15 years.  Her performances have even landed her on NBC's The Voice and the 2017 season of American Idol on ABC. Currently she's working with another nationally televised show that airs this fall --- details have yet to be released. In addition to her television appearances, she has opened for Ray Price, Gene Watson, The Oakridge Boys, Pat Green, Stoney LaRue, and Wade Bowen. She was recently signed to TXM Records and has a new single releasing next month. On top of her professional career she is a single mom of four and is determined to make it in country music to provide a better life for her children. She says that God gave her this voice and she intends to share it with the world.

Connect with Billie Jo on Facebook.
Click here to visit Billie Jo's website.

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