WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii - Your vote counts in the selection of U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii's Operation Rising Star 2009 winner during the local elimination rounds taking place at the Tropics, Schofield Barracks, Sept. 21, 23 and 24.

Round one (Sept. 21) will be performed a cappella, with a panel of three judges determining who will move forward.

Performers in the semifinals (Sept. 23) and the local finals (Sept. 24) will be evaluated by a panel of judges and the audience. Audience votes will make up 50 percent of the score.

Similar to "American Idol," public opinion counts, and community members can support their favorite singer by showing up and voting. Audience members can earn an additional vote with the purchase of an appetizer. The competition on all days starts at 6 p.m.

"It's very important to have an audience at the local competition," said last year's overall winner, family member Joyce Dodson. "You could be a better singer than your opponent, but if they invite their whole brigade to cheer them on, and you're there with only your immediate family or a few friends, there's no way you're going to win.

"I was working at the Schweinfurt, in-and-out-processing facility, and my husband was stationed in Bamberg ... and I sent all of them e-mails reminding them to turn out and vote for me."

The local winner will advance to the Armywide finals by submission of a video of their performance to the Army entertainment division panel of judges.

The top 12 finalists will be selected from the videos, and they will move on to the live finals, Nov. 14-21, at the Wallace Theater, Fort Belvoir, Va., where they will be scored by a celebrity panel that includes music industry executives, recording artists and retired 12th Sergeant Major of the Army Jack Tilley.

"I have been fortunate enough to judge this competition for four years, and every year, it gets better and better," Tilley said. "With the deployment and stress on the military, I think it's important to get the family members involved in the contest and showcase their talents. I'm always amazed at the quality of performances."

Family readiness groups and local units also have an opportunity to take home the $300 "Spirit Award" for turning out to vote at the finals, Sept. 24, 6 p.m., at the Tropics.

For more information, go to <a href="http://www.oprisingstar.com"> www.oprisingstar.com</a>.

This year's Operation Rising Star competition is sponsored by the General Motors Military Discount program.