ESSENCE.com and Grammy nominated, platinum recording artist Pebbles have joined forces in search of the next R&B superstar.
Beginning on March 19 aspiring artists can log on to essence.com/RBStar to enter to win a talent competition like none other!
The lucky winner receives an instant pass to stardom with a one-year artist management contract with music industry veteran Kevin Liles’ KWL Enterprises, a feature in an upcoming issue of ESSENCE and a once-in-lifetime opportunity to hit the stage for a featured performance during the 2011 Essence Music Festival (July 1st-3rd in New Orleans).
Pebbles and Liles are both music industry veterans who each have established careers in developing talent—including best selling acts TLC, Trey Songz and more.
Lauded by Island Def Jam Chairman, LA Reid as a “visionary”, Pebbles will lend her artist development expertise and proven track record to the competition as executive producer and host of the contest’s online component.
Speaking on her search for the next R&B star Pebbles released a statement saying,
“It is an honor to partner with ESSENCE an iconic brand that shares my love and commitment to the celebration of black music. I look forward to furthering our contributions to this genre by identifying the next undeniable superstar talent!”
Pebbles
The talent competition will kick off in Atlanta on March 20 with a private celebration hosted by the city’s most influential tastemakers including Steve & Marjorie Harvey, Mayor Kasim Reed, radio host Frank Ski, music power players Devyne Stephens, Chaka Zulu, Dallas Austin and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey.
In search of the most talented voices in R&B, the Essence R&B Star competition will have live auditions in Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York City.
Surprise celebrity judges including Pebbles and Liles, as well as a local radio personality who will attend each of the auditions.
Contestants who are unable to make it to the local market auditions can submit online to essence.com from March 21- April 20th.
Live auditions will take place on the following dates:
City |
Venue
|
Day 1 | Day 2 |
Atlanta, GA
|
14th Street Playhouse
|
3/26/2011
|
3/27/2011
|
Los Angeles, CA
|
Victory Studios
|
04/02/2011
|
04/03/2011
|
New York, NY | Time & Life Building | 4/9/2011 | 4/10/2011 |
For more information visit essence.com/RBStar.