Starry-eyed pop hopefuls on cue

YOU’RE A Star is expected to attract about 10,000 contestants seeking fame and fortune and a chance to go all the way to next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

More than 5,000 people took part in auditions at venues around the country when the talent-spotting show was first launched last year and became an instant hit with TV viewers, especially younger ones.

Now its makers, Screentime ShinAwil, expects a doubling in the number of contestants when auditions are held over the next two months for a second series. The show will again take the headline slot on RTÉ every Sunday night for 18 weeks, commencing on November 18 with a look back on last year's winner Mickey Harte. Screentime ShinAwil managing director Larry Bass said You're A Star was an unknown brand name when it was launched last year. Now people were well aware of what it was all about.