Yellowknife (Feb 06/06) - It's official! Northern auditions for a chance to compete on the next season of CTV's Canadian Idol will be held in Yellowknife at the Explorer Hotel from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Feb. 23.

Hip hop recording artist Aaron "Godson" Hernandez will be among those to audition for Canadian Idol later this month. - NNSL file photo

Singers aged 16-28 from across the North are invited to audition. Participants must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants legally eligible to work in Canada. You must have two pieces of ID. There is no pre-registration process this year.

"I'm auditioning because it's not every day that one gets an opportunity like this in the North and I figure I've worked too long and too hard not to do it," said recording artist Aaron "Godson" Hernandez.

"I know my chances are pretty slim, seeing as they've never put a rapper through, but I'm all about challenges. I always want to be the first to do something."

Godson, who performs throughout the North, said he'd like to see young singers take up the challenge by auditioning, as well.

"Shaking off the nerves will be your biggest weapon," he said.

All eligible applicants who show up between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. are guaranteed a chance to audition.

Those under 18 must have a form signed by their parent or guardian, which can be downloaded from the CTV website, and all contestants need two pieces of ID. Each singer should be prepared to sing three songs a cappella.

Successful competitors advancing from the Northern auditions will be transported to the final regional audition round in Vancouver in front of Canadian Idol's four-member judging panel.

Transportation and accommodations will be provided by Canadian Idol producers.

Applicants are ineligible if they are under contract for any

entertainment-related talent, including modelling, and applicants must be able to travel freely around the world.