Tribute band Step To It are enjoying success

And the Wales-based promoters say there is a possibility of a gig in Russia - instead of the real Kylie whose recent chart successes mean she is much in demand- for the successful lookalike.

"The successful singer does not have to look like Kylie but she will have to have some of Kylie's magic," said Jason O'Ryan of the firm behind the search SCM Promotions,

They are also hoping a Welsh singer will come through to win the audition because of the real Kylie's connections with Wales.

"Of course, Kylie's mum from Wales so it would be nice if we could get someone who is Welsh as well," Mr O'Ryan said.

"But we're not counting on it."

The promoters already have one tribute band on their books - Step to It.

The band is made up of all Welsh members and has been in demand since it was formed in 2000 on the heels of Steps, who announced on Boxing Day they were splitting up.

The lookalike must have some of Kylie's magic

"Tribute bands have become really big since the whole Abba thing," said Mr O'Ryan.

"People who can't get tickets to see the real thing seem happy to come and watch them."

"At the end of the show members of the band go out and meet their audience - for some its better than the real thing."

The lookalike Kylie on trial in Newport on Sunday will have to perform one of the Australian star's hits and learn a dance routine.

"We've had applications from six girls from Wales and around 12 more are coming over the bridge from England, " said Mr O'Ryan.

The winner will have six weeks to get her act together before her first performance on 2 March in Ludlow, Shropshire before beginning an 80 date tour of the UK in Porthcawl on 17 May.

Further dates in Holland, Ireland, Germany and Scandinavia are promised and the promoters have also been approached about the possbility of the tribute Kylie replacing Ms Minogue in a Russian gig.

SCM are also planning a search for a tribute performer to Daniel O'Connell as well as a boy band imitator later in the year.