CHAPEL HILL - Success on television's "American Idol" may be nothing new to North Carolinians, but UNC master's student Anoop Desai brings the hit show even closer to home for Chapel Hill fans.

Previous American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino (High Point) and finalists Clay Aiken (Raleigh), Chris Daughtry (McLeansville), Kellie Pickler (Albemarle) and Bucky Covington (Rockingham) all hail from the Old North State. There must be something in the water.

Though new to the national stage, Desai, 22, is a veteran entertainer.

While a student at East Chapel Hill High School, Desai performed in the musicals "Oliver!," "The Wiz" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." He also founded the Chiefs of Staff, a men's a capella ensemble at the school.

During the spring of 2004, his senior year in high school, Desai was accepted to both UNC and the university's all-male a capella group, the Clef Hangers. Desai performed with the "Clefs" throughout his undergraduate tenure, becoming the group's president his senior year.

"I was a junior at UNC when Anoop was a freshman," said fellow Clef Hanger Chris Melly, who is also spearheading public relations efforts for his friend. (Desai was under contract not to speak to reporters before this week's live shows air.) "I sort of took him under my wing and showed him the ropes."

A double major in political science and southern studies, Desai had to learn how to juggle his rigorous academic calendar and demanding performance schedule.

"Anoop always had a full plate, but managed to balance it very well," said Melly. "He dedicated himself to the group, and that dedication helped the Clefs achieve national praise for the CD 'Time Out.'"

"Honestly, Anoop is the best singer I've ever heard in person," said UNC senior Charles Askew, a current Clef Hanger. "I've been in a capella groups for eight years, and I have yet to come across someone that talented."

After graduating from UNC in May 2008, Desai began graduate studies in folklore at the university. His friends had long told him he should audition for the Fox TV show, and he finally thought the timing was right. "Anoop decided that he just wouldn't be able to move on with his life if he didn't give it a shot," said Melly.

Auditions were held across the country last summer. Desai auditioned in Kansas City, Mo. He and a few others in Kansas City saved the judges' ears following an underwhelming batch of contestants in Phoenix, Ariz.

Desai's audition song was a soulful take on Boyz II Men's "Thank You." Upon correcting judge Simon Cowell's mispronunciation of his name, Desai told judge Randy Jackson, "You can just call me Noop Dogg!" Whether calculated or off the cuff, Desai's new moniker was born.

"You had some crazy vocals jumping off there," Jackson told Desai.

Judge Paula Abdul was also pleased, saying she didn't expect the emotion he brought to the song. All four judges promptly OK'd him for the next round of competition in Hollywood.

Of course, Cowell couldn't let the talent stand on its own -- giving Desai criticism for his "geeky" wardrobe choice.

One thing is for sure. "Idol Fever" is again hitting the Triangle. Like Raleigh went ga-ga for Aiken, Chapel Hill storefronts are sporting "Noop Dogg" fliers bearing Desai's likeness.

And it's not just local. YouTube and tabloid Web site TMZ are aflutter with "Noop Dogg" tidbits. AOL put Desai on its "Best American Idol Auditions" list. Rolling Stone included him as one of their five "Ones to Watch" contestants.

American Idol airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on FOX.