IT'S every young girl’s dream to be like Hannah Montana.

Ever since it debuted in 2006, the Emmy award nominated American television series on Disney Channel, which chronicles the adventures of Miley Stewart, an average teenage schoolgirl by day who becomes a famous pop star Hannah Montana by night, has inspired millions of young girls throughout the world.

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Now, in line with the upcoming Hannah Montana The Movie girls can have the chance to sing and perform like their idol as the SM Department Store and Disney launch the Hannah Montana Search for the New Rock Sensation this July at SM Department Stores and Supermalls nationwide.

The contest is held in cooperation with Cignal Digital TV, Banco de Oro, Toy Kingdom, and Universal MCA Music.

The search is open to girls five to 12 years old, and the Grand Prize winner will get the chance to win a trip to the US, P50,000 BDO cash card, and TV appearances. Twelve finalists will receive SM Gift Cards, BDO Junior Savings Account, and special gift packs from Toy Kingdom and Universal MCA Music.

Every P1,000 purchase of Disney items, inclusive of HM apparels, at SM Department Store’s Children’s or Pre Teens Wear departments. Children’s Shoes, Character Shop, Toy Kingdom Express, and SM Record Bar entitle one to join the contest.

A one-minute audition will be held at SM malls beginning with SM Southmall Storyland on June 27.

It will then proceed to SM stores and malls in Rosales, Sta. Rosa, and Bacolod on June 28; Fairview, Naga, Taytay, and Iloilo on July 4; Baguio, Sucat, Sta. Mesa, and Harrison Plaza on July 5; and Manila, Lipa, and Davao on July 11.

The popstar search will then go to SM City North EDSA, SM City Cebu, and SM City Batangas on July 12; SM City Bicutan, SM City Lucena, SM Cubao, and SM City Bacoor on July 18; and SM City Marilao, SM City Cagayan de Oro, and SM City Baliwag on July 19.

It will also make stops at SM Megamall, SM City San Lazaro, and SM City Pampanga on July 25; as well as SM City Marikina, SM City Clark, SM City Dasmarinas, and SM Makati on July 26.

The Grand Finals will take place at the SM Mall of Asia on August 8, 2009.

Criteria for judging are 30 percent for vocals, 25 percent for stage presence and professionalism, 20 percent for appearance, 15 percent for authentic movements, and 10 percent for connection with the audience.

This is the second year that SM has spearheaded the search for the Ultimate Popstar.

Last year’s contest was a success, drawing many contestants who dressed and performed like their idol Miley/Hannah Montana.

It was a dream come true for last year’s winner Beryl Rene Lopez, who sang the Best of Both Worlds and Rockstar tracks from Hannah Montana, who truly idolizes Miley/Hannah, considering her “a role model for kids my age.”

This year, young girls like Beryl can also make their dreams come true by joining the Hannah Montana Search for the Ultimate Popstar at SM.