SINGERS are scribbling down notes and clearing their throats in preparation for this year's Star Search competition.
Today, the Mail launches its annual talent contest to find Hull's hidden musical gems and give popular acts another chance to shine on the stage.
We want to hear from undiscovered songwriters, passionate musicians and bands looking to step into the limelight.
The second annual competition will be held at a number of venues in Hull, with winners and finalists taking away a host of top prizes.
There are 12 heats this year over a four-month period, followed by two semi-finals, a wildcard round and a grand-final at Hull City Hall.
Kie Maston is the landlord at The Crown in Holderness Road, the venue for the eagerly awaited first heat of the contest.
"I've been running the pub since December, so this is the first time I've been involved in Star Search," he said.
"I hear it brought a lot of people into the pub last year and we're hoping for the same again.
"I've really focused on the live music side of the business since taking the reins and we have a lot of cover bands and acoustic acts play here.
"Last year's Star Search was an amazing success and if people are brave enough to get on that stage and sing in front of an audience then they deserve to go far in the competition.
"The atmosphere at The Crown will be amazing once again, without a shadow of a doubt."
As well as being in with the chance of winning a cash prize, performers can take part in the competition knowing their £3 entry fee will be going to a worthy cause, soon to be announced.
In each of the heats, the contestants will perform two songs of their choice before being scored by a panel of three judges.
This year, BBC Radio Humberside presenter James Hoggarth is one of the judges and will be joined by Eddie Faulkner, organiser of the ever-popular TribFest, and Mikey Scott, who runs Hull's new recording studio Fruit Trade Music in Humber Street.
Eddie said: "Last year's competition was great and it was a pleasure to be involved. We're always looking for new talent.
"Although what I do involves some of the world's best tribute acts, I would like to see original talent and people who can write their own lyrics.
"I was surprised by the quality of talent last year and it was quite difficult to pick a winner at some heats because they were all so impressive.
"Out of ten or 12 acts, about six of them could have been a winner so it was tricky to come to a final decision with the other judges."
Eddie said with more bands entering last year than expected, he would once again like to see groups make sure they are in it to win it.
The contest's auditions will be hosted by Hull compere Dave Norman. The singer and entertainer writes regularly for the Mail and is well- known in pubs and clubs on the circuit.
Dave, of Brough, said: "Star Search really gives people a chance to show what they've been working on and sometimes practising for years.
"We try and enhance everyone's performance and make them feel as comfortable on stage as possible.
"Some contestants can be very nervous when they first go up but they soon get into the swing of things.
"There's less pressure on me because I'm not in the competition.
"But when you take your eye off the ball things can go wrong, so it's important to have control on the nights."
He said the venues were well- attended last year and he's looking forward to visiting a few new pubs.
"If people get their entries in early, we can put them in a heat closest to their home," Dave said.
"We're looking forward to seeing what Hull has to offer."
Last year's winner David Barton stunned the judges with his Jools Holland-inspired music and performed in front of a crowd of more than 700 people at City Hall, pipping 11 other acts to the post.
The first contestant for this year, who will grab the mic at The Crown on Wednesday, April 24, is singer Katie Parsons, a finalist from last year's Star Search.
Katie, 23, of Preston Road, is keeping tight-lipped about what she plans to sing but said she's been hard at work rehearsing.
She said: "I think I have what it takes to win this year and my son Zack always cheers me on and wants to join in with me.
"The competition is a great way to get noticed and I can't wait to get on the stage again.
"I dream would be to sign a record contract and Star Search is such a good experience. The final was ace and I loved it. This year, I plan to win."
