RALEIGH — The Got to Be NC program, in partnership with its musical ambassador and local singer-songwriter Paige King Johnson, is creating a voice competition called NC Ag Star to help promote agriculture with young people.
The competition is open to anyone 13 to 22 years old. The winner will receive a prize package including a professional songwriting session, a song recorded and produced by a top Nashville studio producer and training from industry professionals.
Plans for the NC Ag Star’s homegrown voice talent search include live auditions, semi-finals and a finale. Throughout this competition, PCG Artist Development will offer free training and music education to competing artists via online zoom meetings and on-site workshops.
As host, King Johnson will be present at all events, serving as a promotional ambassador and highlighting the hard work and resilience of North Carolina farmers.
The competition will be structured with an early registration period open now through October, plus a North Carolina High School Tour in the fall where select high schools in semifinal markets will receive a free concert by King Johnson presented by the NCDA&CS. Auditions begin in September in the four selected markets: Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh and Wilmington.
Twelve finalists, three competitors from each market, begin virtual training for the Finale in Raleigh. Visit https://NCAGSTAR.com for more information.
Semi-final rounds will be held on the following dates and locations:
- Sept. 16 at the N.C. Mountain State Fair in Fletcher
- Sept. 18 at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax
- Nov. 4 at Martin Community College in Williamston
- Nov. 6 at University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive