WESTBROOK – “Westbrook Idol” organizers have postponed the semi-finals event scheduled for Thursday, March 1, due to the weather, but the latest batch of competitors will only have to wait another week to strut their stuff.

On Thursday, March 8, 16 semi-finalists will put on their best performances at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center, according to Vickie Hebert, principal of Canal Elementary School and one of the organizers of the event. After the March 8 event, the list will be trimmed to eight for the final competition on March 15.

The audience will vote for its favorites by paper ballot. A panel of judges –Director of Community Services Maria Dorn, Saccarappa Elementary School Principal Kathryn Hersom, and Steve Noyes, a performer with local band Motor Booty Affair – will be on hand to break a tie if necessary.

Proceeds from ticket sales, Hebert said, will go toward a K-8 reading assessment program in the district. The competition’s winner, she said, will receive a $300 cash prize, along with a chance to sing the national anthem on April 14 at a Portland Sea Dogs game.

The 16 contestants in this year’s competition are:

David Ames, 46, who works in Westbrook. He said he is influenced by all manner of musical artists, but he loves classic rock, and strives to be a guitarist

Andrew Penk, 13, a Westbrook Middle School student, participates in honor band, jazz band and choir. He loves karaoke and comics, and enjoys all music, especially classic rock.

Raquel True, 15, a Westbrook High School student, plays the piano and sings. She has participated in chorus for nine years.

Lindsey Foster, 17, a Westbrook High School student, has been singing since she was 6 years old. She is a chamber singer, and has been heavily influenced by Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and Lady Antebellum.

Hailey Jordan, 13, a Westbrook Middle School student, loves to sing everywhere she goes. Her biggest musical influence is her dad.

Jake Limanni, 18, a Westbrook High School student, says he likes to “spice things up.” He loves singing to crowds and participating in competitions.

Hailey Francoeur, 13, a “focused and determined” Westbrook Middle School student. She has a deep love for music, and particularly likes singing and playing the drums.

Kiersten Hilton, 12, a Westbrook Middle School student, has always dreamed of becoming a singer. She said her mother is her biggest musical influence.

Tasha Rinaldi, 36, a Westbrook resident, has been singing since the third grade. She performs at weddings and sings at church.

Ingrid Ayer-Richardson, 34, a Westbrook resident, minored in classical guitar in college. She said she loves sharing the emotion of a song with the audience, and sings in the group Pretty Girls

Tim Simpson, 59, a Westbrook resident, is a self-taught drummer and guitarist. He writes songs, loves karaoke, and said he is influenced by the Beatles and today’s country music.

Jarred Haynes, 12, a Westbrook Middle School student, cites Beethoven as a musical influence. He has sung in the Boys Singers of Maine and Honor Chorus.

Matt Cottrell, 18, a Westbrook High School alumnus, sings in the Portland Community Chorus, and sees music as his life.

Sierra Alley, 16, a Westbrook High School student, loves to perform. He attended a theater academy at the University of Southern Maine.

Margaret Carroll, 18, a Westbrook resident, has loved music “forever.” She plays guitar, and attended a summer program at Berklee College of Music.

Marty Dorn, 17, a Westbrook High School student, said he likes to act, performed in chorus, and is musically influenced by Tim Minchin