For a few lucky residents, this October could mean a chance to become a professional entertainer, as the 2nd Austin’s Got Talent competition is holding auditions over the next several weeks.

It was so big last year, competition officials had to cut off the amount of applicants, according to Dennis Charnecki, the owner of DC Music, an Austin music agency responsible for the competition.

“It was a huge hit here for Austin,” Charnecki said. “It was just exciting.”

Several people who participated in last year’s concert have gone on to play local and regional events, according to Charnecki. One woman, Amanda Corey, was featured at the Surf Ballroom in February.

Corey says she got to sign her name on the backstage wall, next to such luminaries as the Temptations, REO Speedwagon, and even Buddy Holly. Surf Ballroom was the last venue Holly, Richie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson before their infamous plan crash in 1959.

“I’ve just been having a ball,” Corey said. “It’s just snowballed, and it’s been a good experience.”

This year’s auditions take place on Monday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theater, and again on Oct. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the same place. The competition itself is scheduled on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

According to Charnecki, the winner of this year’s competition will receive a multitude of prizes, including an all-expenses paid CD recording, a tour date at next year’s Steele County Fair with Charnecki’s music group, the D.C. Drifters, prizes from Apold Music Store and more prizes Charnecki will reveal in the future. Although the prizes are musically inclined, anyone with a talent can sign up and win. Charnecki said only about 35 people will be accepted into the competition.

“There’s an opportunity for people to really go somewhere with their talent.” Charnecki said.