MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new singing competition is coming to Memphis, put on by a former American Idol top ten finalist from the Bluff City.
Singer/songwriter Lil Rounds, a finalist during American Idol season eight, announced Wednesday, June 19, 2024, that she is creating 'The 12,' which she is billing as the “ultimate southern vocal competition.”
Partnering with Memphis’s Visible Music College, the contest is meant to help find the best singers and musicians in the southern region and bring them to Memphis to set them up to succeed in the music industry.
The 12 finalists will compete for three grand prizes that pair them with industry professionals to help further their careers.
“We’re going to actually train you. We’re going to actually coach you. We’re going to get you ready for the big lights,” Rounds said. “And then when you come off that stage, we’re going to make sure that you have a path to go on as far as being able to work with industry professionals, network with industry professionals so that we can get you to the next level.”
Auditions for the competition are being held Saturday at the Stax Music Academy at 11 a.m.
The 12 finalists will perform a grand finale concert at the Orpheum Theater on September 26th.