More than 24,000 contestants around the country joined the auditions of the 2013 Vietnam Idol in attempts to realize their cherished dreams of fame and wealth which winning can bring.

After the final audition closed in Ho Chi Minh City on Oct 17, more than 24,000 entries have flooded in from major cities including Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hai Phong and HCMC, which alone drew some 15,000 contestants.

Though the novelty and appeal of Vietnam Idol has now waned compared to the first seasons due to the appearance of several other singing reality shows such as “The Voice” and “The Winner is”, the number of Vietnam Idol contestants of one season remains higher than the previous one. This season’s entries rises by 20% compared to that of the previous one.

The high number of contestants is partly due to the show format, which welcomes contestants from all musical backgrounds, in a wide age bracket and with various music genres and performing styles.

Also, more youths now look up to and are inspired by the winners and high achievers of the singing reality shows who are instantly catapulted to fame.

According to VTV and BHD Co., the show organizer, this year’s contestants also outdo those of the previous ones regarding singing voices and diversity in performing styles. Local singer Thu Minh, one of the jurors, said they had much difficulty picking out the 100 outstanding ones for the next rounds among such a huge number of competitors.

The 2013 Vietnam Idol, the local version of American Idol reality show, is set to air on VTV3 at 8pm starting Dec 15.