Five of the south's best entertainers will go head to head for the title of Southland Entertainer of the Year tonight.

Alice Fraser, Liv McBride, Rob Carson, Steven Russell and Campbell McKellar will compete for the major award of the night, the Kelvin Hotel Southland Entertainer of the Year award.

Speaking on behalf of the finalists, McBride said nerves were an issue in the weeks before the event but everyone expected they would ease before hitting the stage tonight.

Being nominated again didn't make it easier for McBride, the 2010 winner, and Carson, a finalist in 2011. Fraser said she would feel more confident once on stage in front of the audience.

The finalists were looking forward to performing at the awards, which would also feature a lineup of Southland talent including Rhythmonyx, Cheryl Anderson, the Ascot Park Hotel Brass Band, Invercargill Musical Theatre and ILT City of Invercargill Pipe Band and special guest Annah Mac, who will perform a couple of acoustic songs during the show.

Russell said the awards were a good chance to showcase Southland music, with Carson and McKellar noting the awards would be an awesome night for Southlanders to watch local talent perform under one roof.

Organiser Chris Chilton said the show was shaping up to be one of the best with a crowd of 500 expected to attend. He said the finalists were incredible and the judges would find it hard to chose a winner.

The judges, Craig Scott, Dave Kennedy and Dr Jason Thornton, were well known for their skill and experience in the industry.

They would be looking for an entertainer who had the "X factor" on and off stage, Chilton said. The finalists would be judged on their skills and stage presence.

"The winner will be an artist who sees themselves doing something with their musical career in Southland and beyond and has a drive to succeed," he said.

Chilton said tickets were selling fast but there could still be some door sales.

The Westpac Southland Entertainment Awards will be held at the Civic Theatre in Invercargill tonight at 7.30.

Tickets - $20 for adults, $15 for students and senior citizens, children under 12 free - are available at Ticket Direct/Invercargill City Council booking office.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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