If the record number of nominations - 9,000 in total - received this year are anything to go by, the blue ribbon panel that will choose the finalists of the 2009 CNN Heroes will have their work cut out for them.

The panel, which includes: Colin Powell, Sir Elton John, Ted Turner, Mariane Pearl, Shakira and more, will select the top ten candidates, with voting for the eventual CNN Hero of 2009 opened to the public between October and November.

Speaking after nominations officially closed, Jim Walton - President of CNN Worldwide said:

“This record number of nominations is further evidence of the momentum CNN Heroes has built in just a few short years.”

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“Viewers have been engaged by these stories of inspiration and accomplishment beyond our expectations. It is truly an honor to be able to introduce the CNN Heroes to our global audience every year.”

Now in its third year, CNN Heroes aims to recognise everyday people whose selflessness, dedication, and achievement are changing the world.

CNN will announce the 2009 “CNN Hero of the Year” and honor the Top Ten CNN Heroes in a gala celebration to air on CNN Domestic on Thanksgiving, November 26, at 9pm (ET/PT) from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The event will also screen on CNN International and CNN én Espanol.

In the meantime, you can stay up to date with the latest news from CNN Heroes on this blog or via Twitter, CNN.com or Facebook.