Previously known as "Broadway Idol," the 2008 competition takes place Friday evenings at 11 PM at the Zipper Tavern through Oct. 3.

The contestants for the third annual singing competition include Frances Bordlee, Joe Enderson, Shawna M. Hamic, Mike Harrison, Omar Lopez-Cepero, Barbi McCulloch, Ariela Morgenstern, Jennifer Sánchez, Nesha Ward and Jamaal Wilson.

The first evening of performances, entitled "My Favorite Things," features contestants singing their favorite show tune. Rent's Colin Hanlon and Enrico Rodriguez serve as co-hosts.

The evening's judges include Tony nominee Keenan-Bolger (Spelling Bee), Foa (Avenue Q) and casting director Cassara.

Featuring musical direction by Christopher D. Littlefield and direction by David F. Chapman, "Next Broadway Sensation" determines its finalists through audience voting. The winner of the 2007 "Broadway Idol" competition, George Psomas, received a solo concert at the Zipper Factory as a result of being named the winner. Psomas also recently made his Broadway debut in the Lincoln Center Theater revival of South Pacific. Judges involved in prior years include Marc Shaiman, Donna Lynne Champlin, Lillias White, Anthony Rapp, Lonny Price, Jose Llana, Mandy Gonzales, Manoel Felciano and Stephanie D'Abruzzo.

Tickets for "Next Broadway Sensation," priced $15, are currently available by visiting NYMF.