The director of Singing for Success is sure this year's contest is going to be bigger and better than last year.

"I am very confident that everyone will be thoroughly impressed with the work we've put in," said Kevin Bean, of KDB Entertainment, which produces the Success Series, which aims to provide scholarships for the winners of Singing for Success, Acting for Success and Dancing for Success.

This year the winner of Singing for Success has the opportunity to attend the Berklee School of Music and all contestants have the chance to go on a five US city tour later this year.

The Singing for Success competition, hosted by American Idol finalist George Huff, takes place on Saturday in the Poinciana Ballroom, at the Fairmont Southampton at 7 p.m. Last year saw Larrita Adderley, Twanée Butterfield, Ronald Gordon, Canjelae Taylor and Khalilah Smith compete in the final, which was won by Ms Smith.

Mr. Bean told The Royal Gazette that although he was expecting around 30 people to audition, 14 turned up. "We did not have any so called 'hard hitters' and that is just fine with us because at the end of the day we are always looking for fresh new talent.

"At the end of the day regardless of who turns out, we want to be known for giving educational opportunities to young people who aspire to do great things in the performing arts.

"It is always a pleasure to be introduced to new and exciting talent. I maintain that Bermuda has a big future where entertainment is concerned and I won't be surprised if we have someone in the top 10 Billboard very soon.

Regarding the difficulty of making the selection from the auditions, he said: "It is always very difficult when making these kinds of decisions especially when some of them have auditioned before. I am so very glad that I was not the one making the decisions because it would've been very tough."

Tickets $75 in advance or $85 at the door are available from Shannon's Boutique, People's Pharmacy and on www.boxoffice.bm.