Wannabe superstars will sing their hearts out tonight at the South's answer to X-Factor.

South Coast Idol is the second biggest talent show in the country, after the ITV series.

Thousands of contestants auditioned at the Thistle Hotel in King's Road, Brighton, last month and were whittled down to 83 semi-finalists.

Half of them will compete tonight in the first stage of the semi-finals at Concorde 2 in Madeira Drive. Doors open at 6.30pm with the contest starting at 7pm.

Live and Unsigned South Coast Idol is a music competition for unsigned bands, groups, singer/songwriters and solo singers. Contenders have been heard in the run-up to the semifinal on Brighton's Juice 107.2FM.

The ultimate winner will receive a £20,000 management contract and all the winners will have the opportunity to tour and do as many as 50 gigs across the South. The next Brighton semifinal takes place on March 30 with a Brighton and Sussex final at Concorde 2 on April 20.

Buy tickets for tonight on the door for £5 each or visit the website www.concorde2.co.uk. There is no age restriction but under 18s need to be accompanied.

Follow the contestants' progress Ambulances failing at www.southcoastidol.co.uk.