HCM CITY — The fourth season of Vietnam Idol, a local reality television competition to find new solo singing talents, started on Tuesday with the announcement of a new judging panel and new format.

Singer My Tam will serve on the jury for the first time alongside film director Nguyen Quang Dung and songwriter Quoc Trung. The contest will be hosted by actor Huy Khanh for the first time.

This year, the organising committee has a new way for selection: everyone can nominate their music idols to the contest if their idols are not confident enough to register themselves.

After the auditions on June 28 in Da Nang City, only 60 candidates will be chosen to compete. Broadcast will commence on August 17 at 8pm on VTV3.

The winner will receive a prize of VND600 million (US$30,000). More information on the contest can be found at www.vietnamidol.vtv.vn.

Vietnam Idol originated from the reality programme Pop Idol created by British entertainment executive Simon Fuller. The first season of Vietnam Idol premiered on HCM City Television's HTV9 in May 2007.-VNS