(Center, singing) V. Da’Nessa Monk, from Queens auditioning in Grand Central Station. (left to right) Willie White; Thierno Camara, age 40; (right) Gabriel Caplan, age 29. (ROBERT MILLER)
Where is Simon Cowell when you need him?
More than 60 artists today squared off for only 25 coveted spots in the MTA’s version of American Idol, in a competition that saw washboard used as instruments and one band with Christmas-caroling puppets.
Gaining access to the Music Under New York program means artists can reserve prime subway busking space at some of the 25 busiest stations in the system, along with an official banner bearing the group’s name.
“It means the cops won’t chase you away or ticket you,” said Elizabeth Burgerol, of the dixieland band The Hot Sardines.
“It also means more people walk near you and might buy a CD,” said singer-songwriter Natalie Gelman.
A panel of judges takes talent, variety, and appropriateness into account.
“We can’t have a huge marching band, or people using profanity — that’s not appropriate for people performing in the subway,” said Amy Hausmann, the MTA assistant director of Arts for Transit.
Musicians who’ve earned a spot will be notified within a few weeks.Judges said surprising themes this year were old jazz and prohibition-era outfits, likely an influence of the recent recession.
“There were a lot of sounds you’d hear on tin-pan alley,” said judge Cathy Grier, who has played in the subways for a decade. “It’s definitely related to the economy.”
A New Orleans-style piano player, a doo-wop trio, and a cowgirl decked out in all pink also vied for one of the slots in the program.
“It gets you recognition, for some people it can be a launching point,” sand Da’ Neesa Monk, who tried out for the first time with a world music band.
Some artists have been trying for a spot for years — this is Gelman’s third attempt.
“I was on tour for the past four months all over the country,” she said after singing a tune inspired by the scenes on the city’s streets. “But I can’t can’t get in to this.”
The compeition was held at Grand Central Terminal.