Auditions for the NBC television show’s upcoming season, which will air this summer, take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today in Portland.

The “Nashville Star” crew is looking for men and women 16 and older performing alone or as part of duos or trios.

Performers will sing a song from an approved song list for casting director Chris Hazel. The song list features a variety of country standards, including “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus and “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

If Hazel likes what he hears, those auditioning will be asked to perform another song or two.

In those instances, having an original song ready helps. Singers and guitarists take more pride in those songs and, as a result, give better performances, Hazel said. Having an excitable personality also gives performers an edge.

The top performers will be invited to national auditions in New York City, Los Angeles, Austin, Texas, and Washington D.C., .

The “Nashville Star” winner will receive a recording contract with Warner Brothers Nashville and will perform at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.

Those who want to audition but can’t make it to today’s event are invited to fill out a form on the “Nashville Star” casting Web site and mail a videotape.