When contestants step on stage for the 2011 Kean Idol competition, no one will fault them for having visions of singing star Jackie Evancho dancing in their heads.

Jackie received local fame when she competed in the Kean Idol Amateur Talent Contest in 2008 and 2009 before moving on to become an international star on NBC's "America's Got Talent" last year.

The 2011 Kean Idol season kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m. with the first vocal round at the Kean Theatre in The Washington Place at St. Barnabas. The talent show competition runs through April 15 . 

The seventh annual Kean Idol is sponsored by St. Barnabas Charities with proceeds benefitting St. Barnabas Charities’ Pennies for Patients campaign. Tickets cost $10.

"Kean Idol is a lot of fun for the contestants and their families and a great opportunity for amateur singers and dancers. It’s like a mini 'American Idol' in our own back yard,” said Debbie Panei, director of development for St. Barnabas.

"The competition supports the patients who rely upon the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, so we're grateful to the contestants and the audience for their participation."

The Pennies campaign hopes to raise more than 3 million pennies for residents at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas and The Arbors at St. Barnabas who may not be able to afford their care, according to a press release.

There are several categories for the competition: youth vocal, adult vocal and dance. With the exception of this Sunday, contestants may still register to compete on a first-come, first-serve basis through March 18.

"In its nine years of operations, the Kean Theatre has become an integral part of the performing arts scene in the North Hills," said Panei. "The Kean's patrons are vital to the fund-raising success of the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund."

The schedule for 2011 Kean Idol competition is as follows:

Sunday, Jan. 23        Vocal Round 1 at 1 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 27        Vocal Round 2 at 1 p.m.

                                    Dance Round 1 at 4 p.m.

Friday, March 11      Adult Vocal Contest at 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 20    Vocal Round 3 at 1 p.m.

                       Dance Round 2 at 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 3         Vocal Semi-Final 1 at 1 p.m.

                                     Vocal Semi-Final 2 at 4 p.m.

Friday,  April 8          Dance Finals at 7 p.m.

Friday, April 15          Vocal Finals at 7 p.m.