Warm up those vocal cords. The third annual Blondie’s Trophy Room Cortez Idol Competition starts within weeks.

Open to all ages, the 10-week karaoke-based competition kicks off at the Main Street restaurant on Wednesday, Jan. 14. The winner, who receives a $1,000 prize, will be decided at the grand finale on March 4.

“Last year, we had some of the best talent in the Four Corners to compete,” said restaurant owner Desmond Calhoon. “We hope the competitors knock people’s socks off again this year.”

Branden Miller, a local brew master, was tapped as the 2014 Cortez Idol winner. He had previously sung in the shower and in the car, but never on stage prior to entering the competition, which featured 60 other contestants.

“Getting up on stage, that was tough,” Miller recalled.

A four-judge panel scores competitors on musicality, originality, stage presence, crowd appeal and marketability. An audience favorite, which includes an online poll and ballots cast at the finals, are also used to determine the overall winner.

Modeled after the hit television show “American Idol,” the weekly competition starts at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. Each week features a different genre of music.

Prizes will also be awarded to second and third place winners, and the 2015 competition also includes an award for most improved singer throughout the competition.

For more, call 564-4015 or visit the “3rd Annual Cortez Idol Coming Soon” on Facebook.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com