YELLOWKNIFE - After three weeks of competition, eight young singers have been selected for the finals of North of 60 Junior Idol.

Now in its third "season," the fun and games of the Legion's karaoke contest wraps up this Saturday, as competitors will vie for $6,000 in prizes.

Brittany Wade sings during the semi-finals of the North of 60 Junior Idol at the Legion in Yellowknife. The finals take place this Saturday night, where the winner could take home a share of $6,000 in prizes. - Adam Johnson/NNSL photo Idol Finalists Teale MacIntosh Lacey Taylor-Payne Amy Dillman Brittany Wade Kerrissa MacLean Amelie Duval Janine Mayordo Erin Gullberg

"I believe I can honestly say this is the most successful year of those that we have had," said Legion manager and Idol organizer Lorne Power.

He said this year broke records for number of contestants, overall attendance and the mass of donated prizes.

These include a $3,000 travel package from Canadian North, a polar ice diamond from the city of Yellowknife valued at $1,275, a $500 scholarship from the Royal Canadian Legion, and a heap of other prizes donated by local businesses.

Last Saturday, 11 young singers strutted their stuff singing to a wide variety of classic and contemporary tracks, from rock to new wave to old-time country.

Last year's Idol runner-up Amelie Duvall returned for another strong outing, impressing judges with her difficult song choices. These included Alicia Keys' If I ain't Got You, the CD of which skipped halfway during her performance.

"Like a pro, you didn't skip a beat," said judge Deborah Williamson. "I like the fact that you pick challenging songs."

She was joined by fellow judges Ralph Delaney and CJCD's James McCarthy, who was clearly buckling under the strain of the singers' pro-country leanings.

With Teale MacIntosh singing Patsy Cline's Walking After Midnight and Kerrissa MacLean taking on Carrie Underwood's Jesus Take the Wheel, he had plenty to complain about (while complimenting the singers' talents, of course).

"Wow, a song released in this decade," he remarked after one pop song.

One participant was unable to continue due to nerves, organizers said, prompting emcee Glenn Butt to make an announcement between rounds.

"Yes, this is a competition, but I don't want you guys putting too much pressure on yourselves," he said.

"This is supposed to be fun."

In the end, MacIntosh, Lacey Taylor-Payne, Amy Dillman, Brittany Wade, MacLean, Duval, Janine Mayordo and Erin Gullberg advanced to the final round.

Power said he was impressed with this year's contestants, and thought the finals could go to anyone.

"The competition is fantastic," he said.

"The fact that the kids are here participating guarantees that our senior idol contest will continue as well."

North of 60 Junior Idol wraps up 8:30 p.m. tomorrow night at the Royal Canadian Legion.