PROVO — Simon Cowell apparently carries little weight in Utah County.
Despite the "American Idol" judge's nasty comments about two Utah contestants in front of a national television audience, Freedom Festival organizers have invited two "Idol" outcasts — Carmen Rasmussen and Jon Preator — along with other TV talent favorites, to perform at this year's Stadium of Fire.
Of course, the notoriously sour Brit probably wouldn't attend the event anyway, since it touts itself as "one of the premier patriotic celebrations in America."
But festival organizers don't care.
"Even if they don't win the No. 1 prize, the finalists are often highly talented," said Freedom Festival associate director Taylor McDonald.
Most of the entertainers were in the top rungs of their competitions — Rasmussen on "Idol" and "Star Search's" grand prize winner Vickie Natale.
Although Provo's own Preator (an "Idol" semifinalist) didn't fare as well — Cowell told Preator that "if ever we do 'American Idol' as an ice-dancing musical, you would be perfect" — that didn't make it any easier to book the talented Preator, McDonald said. With their high level of exposure and local popularity he said that all the entertainers "get agents and get contracts real quick."
"We just thought they would bring freshness," McDonald said. "They're well-known, they are very current and they are highly talented."
Country singer Reba McEntire, however, remains the headline attraction. And, popular conservative talk show host Sean Hannity will return as emcee.
Rasmussen, Preator and Natale will be joined by former "Star Search" contestants David Archuleta, Kevin Francis and Jon Cruz — as well as Utah native JoDee Stott, who appeared on NBC's "Today Show" during its superstar search.
And more "surprises" are expected, said Stadium of Fire producer John Whitaker.
The entertainment lineup is contributing to increased tickets sales that are setting festival records, McDonald said. While there are still "decent seats" available, he said he expects tickets to sell out by mid-June.
Nevertheless, McDonald said festival organizers are continuing to market Stadium of Fire, as evidenced by an enormous banner recently draped onto the side of Brigham Young University's LaVell Edwards Stadium, where the July 3 event will be held.
"We still have to make our presence shown," he said. "We just want the community to know that there is this great event out there."
Stadium of Fire seats are $20, $30 and $45, with premium seats in front of the stage going for $100 and $250.
Tickets can be purchased at BYU Marriott Center ticket office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets can also be purchased by calling the ticket office at 378-BYU1 or toll-free at 1-800-322-BYU1, online at www.byutickets.com or at Smith'sTix.
E-mail: lwarner@desnews.com