The annual Estevan Idol competition is still more than three months away, but preparations for the event have already started.

The event will once again be held in conjunction with the Estevan Fair from June 21 to 23.

Nine singers will participate in the first round of the Idol contest on Monday, June 21. The top six will advance to the final night on June 23. The top three singers will qualify for the final round, which will also take place on the 23rd.

One of the three singers from the final round will be crowned Estevan Idol.

The Estevan Junior Idol competition will be held on Tuesday, June 22. Six young singers will be entered. The top three will advance to the final round, which will also be on the 22nd. The winner will then be chosen.

Auditions will take place on Sunday, May 16 at the Estevan Exhibition Hall.

About $4,000 in prizes will be awarded this year, said producer Travis Frank.

Rosanne Dirpaul, Dustin Hall and Nathan Pylypuk will once again be the judges this year.

Recording artist Chris Henderson, who won Estevan Idol in 2004, will perform with his band on June 23. Last year's Idol, Chase Buchanan, and the Junior Idol, Haley Tonita, will also perform.