West Virginia University students dont have to wait much longer to find out who will be the next Mountaineer Idol.

The winner of the annual WVU student singing contestpart of Mountaineer Week 2007will be announced during the finale, beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 11) at the Metropolitan Theatre in downtown Morgantown.

The remaining three contestants are Samantha Bartlow, Chapmanville; Julie Cerrone, Bethel Park, Pa.; and Nicole Mata, Scott Depot.

Each finalist will be judged on three songsone previously performed song, a new song and one selected by Kasey Hott, the 2006 Mountaineer Idol and emcee. The contestant with the highest score will win the title of 2007 Mountaineer Idol and $1,000 cash.

The show will also include special performances by other 2007 contestants and the Paul Robeson/Mahalia Jackson and Umojah Voices of Joy Joint Choir.

In addition, the event concludes Mountaineer Idol Gives Backa partnership with Jessis Pals, the charity set up by former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch to help provide new stuffed animals for kids at WVU Childrens Hospital. Volunteers have collected more than 200 stuffed animals, and those attending Sundays show are encouraged to donate to the campaign.

As final preparations are being made for the show, the three finalists say they are excited to have made it this far.

Im actually really shocked because this is my third year with this competition, and Ive never made it anywhere near here,said Bartlow, a vocal performance major.

Mata, an exercise physiology major, said shes made a lot of friends during the competition.

When my name was announced to continue on to the final round I was not only thankful, but honored,she said.Everyone is just as deserving as I am. I have met and befriended so many amazingly talented individuals in this competition and have learned from each of them.

Cerrone, a management information systems major and Idol veteran, added,Were all out to win, but I dont feel like any of us has a major advantage over the other at this point in the game.

Mountaineer Idol began in 2004 when WVU student Marci Lane sang herself to Hollywood for the third season of American Idol. After being eliminated, she brought the idea back to WVU as a way to showcase student talent at the University.

Mountaineer Idol is officially sponsored by Coca-Cola, Fox 46 andAmerican Idol.

Mountaineer Week on the Net:http://mountaineerweek.wvu.edu