I CAN'T believe the Evening Times' Glasgow's Star Turn Competition final is only five days away.
This time next week it will all be over and everyone will be watching our winning act in anticipation of what they will do next.
As I have been given the honour of heading the judging panel on Monday night at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow's Merchant City, I'm a little nervous.
I have had plenty of experience as a contestant in this kind of competition and I know exactly what our finalists will be going through, but being on the other side – the dark side as we used to call it –well that's still very new and slightly surreal to me.
When I did Pop Idol I was in what is described as a "bubble". I had no idea how many millions were watching at home or buying all the glossy magazines on the shelves for the latest backstage gossip.
All I knew was that there were four people sitting behind a huge desk directly in front of me each week and I had to do everything in my power to impress them.
They were the industry professionals and they had the power to influence the audience in the studio and at home. They had the power, if you like, to make or break dreams.
Now I'd like to think our panel of esteemed judges are a more friendly, less-threatening bunch, but the fact still remains that we are ultimately responsible for choosing the Glasgow's Star Turn winner 2012 and potentially changing someone's life completely.
So you can see why I'm a little nervous.
I met with some of my fellow judges on Tuesday at Evening Times' HQ to discuss what we will be looking for from our finalists on Monday evening, and we all unanimously agreed that the winner will be chosen solely upon their performance on the night. We also agreed that no-one is to wear Cuban heels or high-waisted trousers!
All and all, it's set to be a fantastic night at the Old Fruitmarket and the best advice I can give to our 11 finalist is to enjoy themselves.
They are in the top 11 unsigned performers in this city and that alone is a massive achievement.
In memory of Mags
I'd like to give a big shout out to my very good friend Ian McMillan who on Monday embarked on the massive task of walking the West Highland Way and climbing Ben Nevis in four days all in the memory of his beloved wife, Mags, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
Anyone who was connected to The Shed nightclub in, Shawlands, in any way will have known Mags, as she worked there for many years.
She was the most wonderful woman with the biggest and kindest heart and she is so sorely missed.
Ian is hoping to raise £3000 to benefit kidney patients in Glasgow so if you wish to donate, no matter how small, please visit www.shedglasgow.com for more details.