If America’s got talent, so does Austin.

Dennis Charnecki wants to expose the city’s talent at a spin-off of the popular NBC Television show.

Charnecki, a recording artist and music promoter, is planning the first-ever Austin’s Got Talent Oct. 24 at the Paramount Theatre in Austin.

Auditions will be held Sept. 14 and 21, also at the Paramount Theatre.

The final judges will be local elected officials to be selected later, according to Charnecki.

The popularity of reality shows such as “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent” has spawned other similar local contests across the nation to seek out top talent, aspiring to pursue careers in show business.

The Austin’s Got Talent winners will receive cash prizes, plus the opportunity to perform at the 2009 Midwest Music Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

In addition, they will appear at a Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve concert at the Paramount Theatre.

The promoter said he is announcing his Austin’s Got Talent show early to allow performers to prepare for the competition.

For more information, contact Charnecki at 437-6968 (DC Music) or call the Paramount Theatre at 434-0934 or Apold Music at 437-7217.