Just as the NHL season was put on ice, Canadian Idol's new season heated up as the audition tour made its way to Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome on Wednesday to round up fresh singing talent in the province that yielded Idol champ, Kalan Porter.

From Patsy Cline and Martina McBride to Barry Manilow and Christina Aguilera, competitors cranked up their vocal pipes and showed off their diverse musical influences, hoping to impress the judges and earn a chance to be on television's hottest summertime show.

Inside an audition room, hopefuls lined up in groups of five and waited as each competitor belted out a song before of a judge. Displaying true Idol solidarity, group mates cheered each other on, but most often, simply comforted one another as they failed to receive yellow tickets.

As for the showcase of talent, one judge said, "It really kind of comes in spurts."

"We get a great group of people -- I almost put a whole room through -- then a not-so-great group. But, everyone seems to be really passionate and enjoying themselves and that's what matters," he said.

If there is one thing that Calgary's contenders seem to be passionate about, it is country music.

Although many hopefuls who flocked to the hockey arena didn't fit the typical image of the cowboy or cowgirl, some of their song choices seemed to reflect their long-time love affair with the genre.

Self-proclaimed cowgirl Kajsa Fensom hopes to wow the judges with a Shania Twain tune.

"I'm definitely a country girl, born and raised. Yeehaw," said the 20-year-old Calgary native.

While her love of country music, horses and pride in the Stampede makes her feel truly connected to the cowgirl life, she doesn't believe in the stereotypical image of the cowgirl.

"You don't need to wear a cowboy hat to be a cowgirl. It's more of an attitude and a lifestyle of loving nature and animals," the aspiring country singer said. "It's a whole attitude and mentality rather than an image."

"I think you have to have it in your bones. I think some people try to fake it…you either are or you aren't."

Stony Plain, Alta.'s Justin Haylin isn't surprised at the lack of Stetson hats dotting the arena seats. He believes most people generally view Canadian Idol as a pop competition "so they don't necessarily think there's lots of room for country singers."

However, despite sporting a knitted cap, white puka-shell necklace and a Van Halen t-shirt at his audition, the 18-year-old who spent the night sleeping in his car will try to impress the judges with music from country artist Vince Gill.

"Honestly, I'm in love with horses and country music. You wouldn't probably think that by looking at me."

Meanwhile, Chard Morrison, who looks every part the cowboy with his Stetson hat, boots, jeans and black shirt is reluctant to be called one.

"I live for country music but I'm no cowboy. I have all the morals and philosophies of it but I'm allergic to horses," the Athabasca resident said.

Morrison hopes to pass his auditions with a medley of songs by Calgary's own country star Paul Brandt, but if he doesn't, he can always find comfort in what he deems to be the cowboy way of life.

"It's working hard, having time for relaxing and just taking life easy. Take it as it comes. Something goes wrong it's okay, we'll do this instead. You don't sweat the small stuff."

Eye on Idol