"You have nothing to lose" were the words of wisdom imparted by last season's Canadian Idol runner-up Theresa Sokyrka to more than 450 Idol hopefuls who turned out for the first day of auditions in Saskatoon on Monday.

Canadian Idol cranked up its first-ever stint in Sokyrka's hometown with a free morning concert by the singer, whose signature scatting made her an audience favourite on the hit summertime show.

The bespectacled "Sweetheart of Saskatoon" started her three-song set with the shoulder-bouncing standard, "It's Only a Paper Moon," then donned her guitar to strum and sing Norah Jones' "Come Away With Me," before finishing off with an original tune, "Turned My Back."

Adding an extra dose of prairie power and inspiration for the competitors was Regina's Manoah Hartmann who kicked off the show with renditions of the Idol tunes, "Sweet Dreams" and "Hallelujah", both of which earned the former teacher a Top 9 spot last season.

For some of the hopeful faces who filled the auditorium, Sokyrka and Hartmann's Top 10 finishes became pivotal moments of motivation, encouraging those with dreams of stardom to get in line and take their long-shot chances on Canadian Idol.

Danielle Quintin, who likens her singing style to Sokyrka's, admits she is nervous about her audition. However, she was compelled to take her love for singing one step further after being inspired by the success of her fellow Saskatchewaners.

"You always think it's such a far-reach when you see it happening to those people and then when it happens to somebody here, you think, 'Well, they can do it, so can I'," she said.

The 23-year-old, who said she's been singing in front of friends and family since she was young, also agreed with Sokyrka's words of wisdom.

"I definitely don't have anything to lose. If I don't make it, I don't make it. If I do then there's just only up to go from here."

Quintin's friend, Kristel Hepburn, was also inspired by what she saw on television last season.

"Since the show last year, I've just been dreaming about it the whole year," said the 22-year-old Saskatonian who says she's only sang in karaoke bars.

"Seeing Theresa go to the Top 2 was just amazing. I was proud of her."

Although Hepburn tries to keep a positive outlook as the reality of rejection looms ahead, she, like most people who must endure the careful scrutiny of others, simply wants one thing.

"I just hope I don't embarrass myself, I guess."