The sudden popularity of American Idol contestant Susan Boyle came as a bit of a shock because, well… because there was no shock. There was no scandalous behavior or tabloid-friendly gimmick — just a plain Jane Scottish woman who can sing her arse off. In a similar vein, Holy Cross Hospital's Senior Idol event honors the vocal talents of 12 locals who came of age before Boyle was even a twinkle in her mum’s eye. In addition to a year of bragging rights at the bridge table, the person dubbed the 2009 Senior Idol will win a $1,000 cash prize along with a one-year pass to ride Tri-Rail. The consolation prize? Performing for judges who aren’t named Simon Cowell — you can imagine how much fun he’d have.

Senior Idol takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Parker Playhouse (707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale). Tickets cost $10. Call 954-462-0222, or visit parkerplayhouse.com.
Tue., May 12, 7 p.m., 2009