The Got to Be NC program, in partnership with its musical ambassador and local singer-songwriter Paige King Johnson, is holding 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.

The competition has 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. 

Semi-final rounds will be held on the following dates and locations:

           · Sept. 16th at the NC Mountain State Fair in Fletcher

           · Sept. 18th at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax

           · Nov. 4th at Martin Community College in Williamston

           · Nov. 6th at University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive

Visit https://www.ncagstar.com/got-to-be-nc-opt-in1651783928010  for more information.