Locals hope for shot at their own talk show from Oprah

With more than 3,800 entries so far, it's no wonder we have some locals hoping Oprah Winfrey's "Your Own Show" contest can help them launch new careers.

Corey Brown of Cary entered the competition, through which Oprah intends to discover the next big star for her new OWN network. In his audition, Corey touts his enthusiasm and personality as reasons why he should get a show, as well as his academic credentials. 

Corey  is a 25-year-old student getting his masters degree from NC Central University in mental health counseling (he has an undergraduate degree in marketing). He's married and has a two-year-old daughter.

Corey says he wants to bring a young, fresh perspective to television, using social issues and current events as a way to tackle therapy.

Oprah has already launched the television careers of Rachel Ray, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, and Nate Berkus.  Carson Kressley and Cat Cora also appear to be headed to OWN.

The idea with the contest is that anyone can submit an audition video online and then people at home vote on their favorites. The show categories are "traditional talk," "cooking," and "health and wellness." Oprah will pick the winner from the the top five vote-getters on the site.

You can watch Corey's audition video and vote here.

The other local we've heard about has an audition video posted by Dilcy Burton of Durham, who pitches a show called "Wish on a Dream" under the name Mary Advice. "Wish on a Dream" is a talent show for kids, sort of like "Star Search." You can watch that audition video and vote here.

Voting ends July 3.

If you know of other local folks auditioning, you can post the URL in the comment section.