A Collingwood resident could be the next Canadian Idol.

Drew Wright, 28, is one of 200 competitors still in the running for the title on the highly rated CTV reality show.

Wright, armed with his guitar, performed two songs for judges Sass Jordan, Farley Flex, Zack Werner and Jake Gold at the June 3 auditions.

He performed Criminal Mind, by Gowan and Why'd you lie?, by Colin James.

Wright was given a golden ticket, which means he will be one of 200 people who will be competing for a spot in the final 22 participants.

"It's a pretty intense experience," Wright said.

The former Collingwood Collegiate Institute student said the judges weren't pleased when he walked in the room, saying they had a slew of sub-par singers. He said they offered him $60 if he was good.

Wright said he played his first song and walked out with $60.

Wright has been playing music for more than 13 years and has been in a host of local bands, including his latest, Malleus - which won a local battle of the bands competition last year.

He said because of his age, 28, this was the final year he could try out for the competition.

Wright felt, win or lose, it would be a good opportunity to showcase his talent to a large audience and get noticed as the show is seen by about 2 million viewers a week.

"I thought I'd give it a go," he said. "It's a good way to promote yourself."

Wright said he was ecstatic when he was given his ticket to the next round of the competition, saying about 12,000 auditioned and only 200 moved on.

"It was a great feeling," he said. "I had a lot of support."

He still does regular gigs in the area including at Windy O'Neils at the Village at Blue Mountain, Kaytoo in the Village and Duncan's Café on Hurontario St.

Wright said his next appearance on the show is slated to air on June 16-17.

For more information, click the link.