Popular local singing competition The Star returned to Chester County this weekend with a bang, writes Alicia Vitarelli for 6ABC. 

Auditions for the third season of the competition shone a spotlight on talent across the Delaware Valley region. 

The Star is the brainchild of Danny Murphy, a local musician and music teacher. 

“This is their launching pad,” said Murphy of the contestants. “We want to see them succeed and become our local ‘Star.’ But the end goal is for them to be a huge star that we can all follow forever.” 

Auditions were held on Sunday at The Gem Spring City Speakeasy for two divisions: 8 to 17-year-olds and 18 and up. Each participant got the chance to impress the judges with one song. 

“Choose the 60 seconds that’s going to show your best vocal,” said Murphy ahead of the show. “We want to see the show-stopping numbers, we want to see whatever you would perform for the big executive producers of American Idol. That’s what you’re bringing to us.” 

The competition will start next month. The winners will receive a cash prize and further opportunities to perform on bigger stages. 

Read more about the competition at 6ABC.