The competition will begin in May with two days of auditions at Symphony Hall. Subsequent rounds, on June 5, 16, 17, 18, and 24, are open to the public. The winner will sing the National Anthem at Pops concerts in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., as well as singing in the Fourth of July program on July 3 and 4.

Last year's winner was Tracy Silva of Taunton, Massachusetts, a van driver for special-needs children and a mother of two. Since winning the competition, she has sung the National Anthem at a series of sporting events and appeared in concerts and musicals in Massachusetts.

Competitors must be over 18 and may not signed a contract with a talent agent or record company. Interested singers should call (617) 425-8600 or visit www.bostonpops.org/popsearch for more information.