Auditions are being held in the Glenview Common’s basement at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, to find out who wants to be the next Pioneer Idol.

In contrast to the Fox television show “American Idol” more than just singers can audition. Musicians, comics and other talents are also welcome to take part in the competition. Registering for the audition was completed Feb. 6.

The Pioneer Idol Competition will be held at the Pioneer Crossing at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 8, and is free for UW- Platteville students.

The Master of Ceremonies for the Idol is former Last Comic Standing contestant Roy Wood Jr. Wood, who also appeared on “The David Letterman Late Night Show,” Comedy Central’s “Bob and Tom Tour,” and Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend.” Wood will be introducing the contestants and closing the Idol with a 20-minute set. Students have a chance to win the Best Seat in the House, where you get to sit on a couch next to the Roy Wood Jr. right next to the stage.

“The Idol is an important event for contestants because it is much bigger then the Open Mic Night, with a projected audiences of 400 to 500 people,” Hanah Diebold, event manager of Campus Programming and Relations, said.

Prizes for top contestants include a digital camera, CD stereo, portable CD player and rolling cooler.

“The Pioneer Idol has grown since the first Idol four years ago”, Dieblod said

“Incorporating the comic in with the Idol helps the Idol grow, because people come to see the contestants and the comic,” Trapper Mitchell, one of the five judges and resident director of Melcher hall said. “The Pioneer Idol is more like the TV show “America’s Got Talent” instead of “American Idol”, because of the wide variety of talent that competes, not just singers.”

Judges of the competition volunteer for the event. Mitchell is a returning judge from last year. Mitchell said he judges the contestant based on how entertaining they are to an audience.

“I loved being on stage in front of a packed house. Idol was an exciting experiences in my life, and I enjoyed the competitive and friendly atmosphere of Idol,” third place winner of the 2007 Idol, Ben Barlow a sophomore majoring in mathematics said.

This year, Idol and auditions are going to be competitive and challenging with last year’s champion, second place and third place returning to the competition, along with other strong competitors.

Any other questions about the Pioneer Idol can be answered by contacting Campus Programming and Relations at 608-342-1497.