VIDALIA &8212; American Idol tryouts, Miss-Lou style, will be at the Comfort Suites beginning today.

The fifth season of FOX&8217;s American Idol came to a close in May, pushing FOX 48/WNTZ-TV to create its own local version of the No. 1 show on television.

Contestants 16 to 28 will compete against each other for the chance to win the grand prize package. The package includes round trip airfare for a winner and guest to an American Idol audition city, hotel room for three nights, plus guaranteed first round audition for American Idol.

&8220;I&8217;m looking forward to seeing what kind of talent we have here in the area,&8221; contest judge Doug Delvecchio said. &8220;One out the final 12 is guaranteed a spot in front of Randy, Simon and Paula.&8221;

Saturday&8217;s audition, beginning with registration at 10 a.m., at the Vidalia Comfort Suites is the third statewide audition. Auditions will begin at 1 p.m. and contestants will sing two songs of one verse and one chorus a cappella to a panel of judges behind closed doors.

After contestants are chosen from each Louisiana audition, the contestants will then compete July 24-27 for a radio quarterfinal round. The radio staff will select 12 semifinalists, making three selections made each day of the quarterfinal, to advance.

Saturday, Aug. 12 the top 12 will compete in a semifinal and a final round at the in Alexandria, where a champion will be picked. The finale will follow at 6 p.m.

For more information visit www. Fox48tv.com.