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DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE - It's back, and according to organizers, this year it will be more popular than ever.

Snowshoe Idol will be kicking off its third season in Fort Providence on June 6.

Rachel Constant was one of the contestants in last year's Snowshoe Idol in Fort Providence. The competition is gearing up for its third installment. - photo courtesy of Linda Croft

"Everyone's still as excited as they were the first year," said Linda Croft, the bar manager at the Snowshoe Lounge.

The competition started in 2007 as a way to build on the smaller, weekly karaoke events at the lounge. Participation has been increasing yearly as more singers have conquered their shyness, Croft said.

Last year, between 40 to 50 people regularly tried to qualify for the finals, said Croft.

Although the first night is still a week away there's already a buzz around the community about this year's competition, she said. On the Snowshoe Lounge's Facebook page, 11 people have already confirmed they'll be competing. Approximately 119 people have linked to the page so they can keep track of the Idol contestants and other events at the lounge, Croft said.

This year Croft hopes the competition will draw in more out of town singers and some new talent. As an incentive, the Snowshoe Inn is offering discount rates for karaoke singers and spectators who need overnight lodging.

The competition will run every Saturday at 8 p.m. until the finals on Aug. 29. An exception will be made on Aug. 1 when Mackenzie Days is underway.

Wannabe idols have two ways to qualify for the finals and the $1,000 grand prize. Every week two people will be chosen for the finals. Snowshoe Lounge staff pick one singer based not necessarily on their voice, but on their overall performance and crowd response, Croft said. The second contestant is picked from a draw of names from everyone who competed that night.

By the finals there will be 20 contestants. Dale Vandell won the title in 2007 while Robin Nadli was crowned Snowshoe Idol last year.

Since the competition started Croft has seen a shift in karaoke music preferences. In the beginning the request list was dominated by country music standards like Loretta Lynn, Kitty Wells, Tammy Wynette and Hank Williams.

"It was nothing to hear Coal Miner's Daughter four times in a night," she said.

Country music is still a favourite but, "dance, pop and rock are definitely right behind," Croft said.

"The regular crew are all trying new music."

Spectators this year can expect to hear music from acts like Nickleback and Fergie.

Croft is encouraging everyone who has ever wanted to try karaoke to participate in the Snowshoe Idol.

"We're a very friendly crowd," Croft said.