4th Annual "NextGen National: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow"
Auditions Due - October 26, 2020
Semi-Finals Live Broadcast - November 21, 2020
Do you know who the next big name in music will be? We want to find out. The American Pops Orchestra presents their 4th Annual "NextGen National: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow" Vocal Competition. College students from coast to coast will compete for the chance to perform in an APO Mainstage Show and a $1000 prize through a simple 32 bar recording of an American popular song written before 1970. For more information email us at auditions@theamericanpops.org or audition today!
Check out a short video of last year's 3rd Annual NextGen Competition. NextGen Sizzle Reel
After reaching over 10,000 viewers from 21 different states through the virtual adaption of our 3rd Annual "NextGen: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow” in April, APO recognized their audience had grown to a national level. To further reach our audiences, the 4th Annual NextGen Vocal Competition will include aspiring professional vocalists from across the United States! With auditions and the first round of the competition moving virtual, APO will be able to find the best young talent from across the country.
To audition, contestants must fill out and submit the online audition form, including a resume, headshot, and video recording of a 32-bar selection of a pre-1970 American popular song (Broadway, Standard, Pop, Jazz, Gospel, etc) within their submission. If selected to compete as a semi-finalist, the performer will be required to re-record their audition selection with either a live or APO provided accompaniment to be aired in the November 21st virtual broadcast. Please contact us at auditions@theamericanpops.org with any questions about auditions.
The virtual Semi-Finals will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges who will provide feedback to all students on their performances. Virtual viewers will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorites during their competition, increasing a competitors chance to advance to the Final Round.
Following the semi-finals, APO will select a group of finalists to travel all expenses paid to the East Coast and perform live with APO musicians to win the ultimate title. A first-place and runner-up male and female will be chosen from the group of finalists to receive a monetary scholarship, as well as a paid performance opportunity with The American Pops during their 2021-2022 Season. This competition is 100% free for all competitors, with APO providing travel, hair/makeup, accompaniments, and preparatory masterclasses free of charge.
