If it will be a problem for people to perform "live", I will permit self-recordings on the grounds that you do NOT edit your performance in anyway. I can't stop you from doing it over and over, but any kind of slicing/chopping to get certain notes right and I'll be extremely miffed.

As for panel "experts", I'd hope that people would volunteer for the job. If you have experience working in the music industry, or are an avid singer yourself, then get in touch with me with your credentials and a short paragraph explaining why you would be suited for judging. It'll be standard "listen to sample, yes or no, need a majority consensus to allow a contestant through". These people will also need to comment on any concurrent "performances", as well as decide what a given week's theme will be.