Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is all set to launch the third series of Indian Idol with the auditions kicking off from February 15.

The show promises to bring to the viewers the best singing talent from across the country.

To make this possible, auditions will be held across the country in 12 cities - Jodhpur and Bhubaneshwar (Feb 15), Hyderabad-Amritsar (Feb 18), Srinagar-Nagpur (Feb 21), Baroda (Feb 27 and 28), Bhopal (March 7 and 8), Kanpur (March 12 and 13), Delhi (March 17, 18 and 19), Kolkata (March 24, 25 and 26), Mumbai (March 31 , 1 and 2 April), a release here today said.

To make participation universal and easy, the channel has set up multiple gateways. Budding aspirants between the ages of 16-30 can realise their dreams by calling to register for a place in any of the above audition centers, the release added.

The aspirants can SMS Idol to 2525 or call 5052525 and say Idol (available only on select networks), or Dial 1255525 (BSNL landline and mobile users which is applicable to all cities). Lines opened from February 10.

Indian Idol is a 'made-for-television phenomenon' that combines drama and reality with music, humour, thrill and glamour. The last two seasons of the show experienced a collage of emotions, raising levels of viewer frenzy and excitement coupled with the contestants' tears and joys, heartbreak and jubilation, learnings and achievements.

Indian Idol showcases exceptional talent on the nation's biggest platform. The phenomenon of following this journey and ultimately picking that 'Ek Awaaz Jispar Ho Desh Ko Naaz' becomes an integral part of the viewers' lives drawing ardent support and a voting frenzy.

This year too Indian Idol will give the people of this nation, the opportunity to chase their dreams and the power to make one talented aspirant 'Bharat Ki Shaan'.

In addition to a recording contract with Sony BMG, the 'Indian Idol' will be awarded a contract with Sony Entertainment Television worth Rs One Crore, thus catapulting him/her to unparalleled stardom, fame and fortune, the release added.