Christian Music Online

Christian music singers

January 25, 2006 – 11:30 am

Christian music singers are sought in talent contest

Area residents will soon have a chance to sing for the chance to become a Christian music solo star.

On Feb. 4, the “Gifted” talent search arrives at Faith Family Church on East Mockingbird Lane.

The TV show will be hosted by the Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell and broadcast in March on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, according to the Associated Press.

The show’s producer, Philip McIntyre, said “Gifted” would be a two-hour TV special but that the show may evolve into a full 12-episode season.

Though Littrell won’t be visiting Victoria, videos of chosen contestants will be sent to the show’s producers in L.A for further selection, said Casey Urwin, the coordinator of the talent search at Faith Family Church.

Urwin said contestants can sign in at Faith Family Church from 8 to 11 a.m. on Feb. 4. After signing in, the singers will go through an initial round where they will select one of 10 different hymns to sing a cappella for 30 seconds before one of four judges.

The hymns include “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Jesus Loves Me.”

The contestants who aren’t eliminated during round one will stay for another round in the afternoon before all four judges. Videos of the judges’ final selections will be sent on to the show’s producers, Urwin said.

Local winners will advance to regional contests where eight finalists will be chosen. Those eight will appear on the television show before a panel of celebrity judges.

The overall winner will receive a major-label recording contract and career management services by Wright Entertainment Group. The Wright Entertainment Group also works with the Backstreet Boys, ‘N Sync, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Boys II Men and Janet Jackson.

In addition to the recording contract, a $10,000 donation will be made to the church where the winner first auditioned.

“I’m excited about the fact that they are finally doing a show that allows people who want to pursue Christian music a chance to make it in the industry and be discovered,” Urwin said. “It doesn’t matter where you live, your dreams are attainable.”

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