Deadline looms for 'The Voice of Ireland' applications

'The Voice of Ireland' hopefuls were warned today that they have until Monday, September 3 to apply.

The popular talent show is set to return to Irish screens this in January 2013.

Applicants can audition via mp3 and through the website. Successful applicants will then be called to audition with the show’s producers in Dublin before the top acts are picked to audition before the four coaches later in the year.

The show will again be following the format where contestants are judged solely on their voices as the celebrity judges sit with their backs to the stage, only turning around to see the person behind the voice when they agree to take on the act.

Kathryn Thomas will be returning to host the show as viewers watch the acts through the highs and lows of competing for a recording contract with Universal Music.

Bressie, who steered Pat Byrne to his win in the previous series, is back on the coaching panel this year.

"I am delighted to be back," he said. "I really enjoyed last year’s series, it was a great experience for me and I am really looking forward to finding another top class singer."

This year’s 'Voice of Ireland' winner, Pat Byrne, has just finished recording his debut album, which is due for release in October.