Photo illustration by Seth Bynum / Federal Way News

Federal Way residents performed for a panel of judges in the opening auditions of the inaugural Federal Way Idol last week. Nearly 60 contestants vied for 12 slots in next month's finals, which take place August 17, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Steel Lake Park. The finalists will compete for $500 and a recording session with the Knutzen Family Theatre. Shown here are Heather Hannah, Audrey Quinn, Hannah Smith, Autumn Sturzen, Christina Neilson, Kip Brookbank, Karina Hartung, Aleigha Wood, Malik Russell, Kyle Robinson, Casey Bogert, Hayley Howell, Dan Dornott, Tiffany Wascher and Rebeka English.