THE Idols circus rolled into Jozi on Saturday with 2000 hopefuls from four provinces withstanding the chilly weekend to scramble for a 30 seconds chance to showcase their talent.

THE Idols circus rolled into Jozi on Saturday with 2000 hopefuls from four provinces withstanding the chilly weekend to scramble for a 30 seconds chance to showcase their talent.

Not even the pouring rain and cold wind could deter the Idols wannabes, some of whom camped out overnight outside the Sandton Convention Centre to make sure they are in the running.

Ingrid Engelbrecht of M-Net said about 2 000 hopefuls turned up for auditions for the sixth edition of the talent search, which has attracted a lot of public attention.

"They first go for registration and after that they will sing for preliminary judges," Engelbrecht said. " They are given 30 seconds to impress," she said.

"Those who have talent ... will go to the final cut on Tuesday."

They will meet Idols judges Randal Borman, Mara Louw, Gareth Cliff and Khan Morbee. Gauteng achievers will meet other contestants from other provinces at Sun City in July.

Only 40 out of the 2000 will make it to Sun City.