Got talent?
If singing is your thing, it's time to dust off the video camera and send in an audition tape for the third annual Variety's Got Talent contest, presented by Variety - The Children's Charity.
Judges are looking for the best singer in the province between the ages of 13 and 29.
Music professionals from Sam Feldman & Associates will choose nine finalists, and one will be chosen by a public vote.
The top 10 will then compete in the Variety's Got Talent finals on Feb. 9 at the River Rock Theatre in Richmond before a panel of music industry and celebrity judges, including music manager Bruce Allen and Global TV B.C.'s Steve Darling.
The winner of the contest will be announced at the end of the show, and will receive a Rising Star music package that includes a $600 Tom Lee gift certificate and a song-writing lesson with Vancouver singer/song-writer Colin Wiebe, as well as an invitation to appear live on the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon on Feb. 16.
The inaugural winner, Langley-based Shylo Sharity, has continued to pursue her singing career and subsequently opened for Wynona Judd.
Last year's winner, 16-year old Asha Diaz, recently released her first album, Jumpin' Off.
The opportunity to participate in the contest can open doors for amateur vocalists who want to further their singing careers, said Carla Jones, director of marketing and special events for the charity.
"It's not like we're just making entertainment," she said. "We are happy to see some great talent come to the table. ... The judges are not just being kind. It's a real learning opportunity and performance opportunity that some of these youngsters don't (normally) get."
Last year the contest drew more than 300 entries from around the province, and Jones said Variety expects to see at least that number again this year.
To enter the 2013 contest, participants must submit an audition tape between two and three minutes long, with singers performing a capella or with acoustic guitar or keyboard accompaniment.
Videos can be uploaded between Jan. 2 and 16 to www.varietysgottalent.ca.
To vote for participants, log onto The Province newspaper website - www.theprovince.com - between Jan. 27 and Feb. 3.
For more information on Variety - The Children's Charity and Variety's Got Talent, visit www.variety.bc.ca.
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