McArdle, a Broadway veteran known for her signature belt, will host the three consecutive Friday night concerts in which hopefuls compete for the title of Broadway Idol. The winner earns a solo concert produced and presented at Ars Nova.

The 2007 Broadway Idol contestants are DeMond B. Nason, Alysha Umphress, Laura Daniel, Nick Dothèe, Henry Gainza, Gabrielle Maes, Auri Marcus, Stephanie Pitsiladis, George Psomas and Isabel Santiago.

Celebrity judges including Anthony Rapp, Marc Shaiman, Denis O'Hare, Lonny Price, Manoel Feliciano and Stephanie D'Abruzzo will offer critique in the competitions where weekly eliminations, based on audience text-message voting, narrow down the contestants.

The categories for this year's competition include "My Favorite Things," in which contestants select their own song of choice; "Broadway Rocks," in which contestants sing a Broadway rock/pop tune; and "Star to Be," in which contestants must sing two songs — one from pre-Oklahoma! Broadway and another from the post-Hair Broadway catalogue.

The Broadway Idol Competition will take place Fridays, Sept. 21, 28 and Oct. 5 at Stitch Bar and Lounge, located in Manhattan at 247 West 37th Street. Admission is $10, which includes one drink ticket. For further information visit www.NYMF.org.