In an effort to expose young local talents, the 4th Kaila! Star Search started at Civic Centre Auditorium in Suva last night.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the competition Kaila! editor Ruby Taylor-Newton said the Kaila! Star Search was a major stepping stone for budding local young artists.
"We have proven this time and again when we witness young people showcasing their various talents through the various forms of self expressions," Mrs Taylor-Newton said.
She said confidence and hidden talents had emerged with aspiring and successful artists.
The Kaila! Star Search which used to be a singing-only competition was opened to include talent like dancing, bands, singing, instrumentalists and poetry.
"We have decided to combine our two talent competitions, namely the Kaila! Star Search and Fiji has Talent and to develop the competition to be a platform for showcasing the many talents that are abound in the country," said the Hibiscus Event Group co-ordinator Aqela Cakobau.
The Fiji Times, a major sponsor and promoter of the competition, made a sponsorship of $11,000 just to bring out the local talent, skills, knowledge and confidence of young people.
Hibiscus Events Group chairman Hirdesh Prasad said: "As the years forge on, the Kaila! Star Search events keep getting bigger and better , and it's no wonder that people from all walks of life are now coming forward to participate this year."
He added: "This is our time to shine, to celebrate and showcase our Fijian-made talents."