The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the Gospel Music Channel, is looking for the Most Powerful Voices. Choirs and independent gospel artists may choose to attend live auditions in select cities or submit their video registration online. Participants are encouraged to invite their churches and individual social networks to vote for them on the contest website which will be live soon.

Entry

Choirs/independent gospel artists may choose to attend the live auditions and/or register online for the competition. U.S. citizens age 18+ are eligible to compete.

Live Auditions - A separate contest with separate rules will be run locally by the AHA Affiliates. Auditions will take place in 9 local markets run by the AHA Affiliate for those markets. Choirs and artists must submit a demo (mailed or through facebook page) along with adequate registrations to be qualified. The top 10 artists in each of the two categories in each market, chosen by a panel of judges, will move onto the live auditions. 2 winners (one in each category) from each market will automatically move into this National MPV online competition at the Judges' Round. Contestants who participate in the live auditions but did not advance to the next round can still register online for another chance to win.

Online - To register online, artists must submit either the YouTube link for a video or upload an mp3 audio track of one song (original work or from the approved public domain song list) via contest website. Contestants provide pictures and background information. Fans register on the contest site to be eligible to rate the contestants. Other information may also be collected. Everyone must agree to terms & conditions which include agreement to receive emails from AHA and GMC.

**TOP 40 ARTISTS - 22 FROM ONLINE, 18 FROM LIVE AUDITIONS (half from choirs and half from independent gospel artists)

Contest Website & technology platform:

• Branded website includes links to GMC and AHA Stroke Prevention resources.
• Fans can easily find and view contestant's videos and may rate contestants once per contestant per day.
• Fans can leave comments on the contestant's page or post to the online community.
• All information including timelines, prizes, official rules, etc. are easy to find.
• The site provides support for online questions.
• Contest algorithm weighs various factors to insure integrity and fairness in results.

Contest Timing

September 10, 2010 - December 1, 2010: Artists can register online for the competition or compete in live auditions held in their market. Public rating begins immediately. First live audition is September 18, 2010. Last live audition is October 30, 2010. Public voting will determine the Top 50 online. October/November 2010- Live Audition winners announced.

December 3, 2010 - January 14, 2011: Public voting determines Top 22 online.

January 18, 2011 - January 25, 2010: Judges review top 40 (including the 18 from the live auditions) and rank Top 10 in each category.

January 26, 2010 - February 11, 2010: The public votes. 2 winners are chosen: one choir and one independent gospel artist or group.

February 14, 2011: Winners are announced.

May 6, 2011: Winners perform live at Power Awards in New York City.

Choir Prizes

• Two winners will be chosen to perform at the 2010 Power Awards show at the Apollo Theater in NYC. On May 6, 2011. It is responsibility of the winners to provide their own transportation, lodging, and meals. A stipend will be provided for other incidentals.
• 50 free show tickets to the event
• Other prizes provided to the winning contestants from prize sponsors, to be announced.
• Feature on GospelMusicChannel.com (watchgmctv.com) and PowerToEndStroke.org.