The American Heart Association has joined with GMC, formerly the Gospel Music Channel and Music World Gospel to educate people about stroke through an online gospel singing competition.
Most Powerful Voices, held now thru February 14, is engaging independent artists and choirs to compete on behalf of the American Heart Association’s Power To End Stroke cause campaign as voters from across America get to select the winners. Competitors are required to upload a video or MP3 recording of one song by December 3. In order to move to the next round, competitors need public votes. Participating choirs and independent artists may be from a church, the military, a school or any other group and must be at least 18 years -old.
The top 40 choirs will have an opportunity to be showcased to music industry leader and entrepreneur Mathew Knowles, CEO and President of Music World Entertainment, among other judges. “It is our dream at Music World Entertainment to empower people and bring an uplifting message to the world. The partnerships with Music World Gospel, GMC and the American Heart Association’s ‘Most Powerful Voices’ competition is consistent with our mission,” said Mathew Knowles. “Gospel music is a meaningful and powerful vehicle of expression and inspiration. I am excited and look forward to meeting and hearing these individual artists and talented choirs from across the country.”
Following the judges selection of the top 20 contestants, the public will choose the winning choir and a winning independent artist who will be announced on February 14, 2011. The winners will perform at the Power Awards Show on May 6 in New York City at the Apollo Theater. The American Heart Association hosts the annual event to honor people who increase stroke awareness among African Americans.
In addition, the winners will receive:
* One song recorded by Music World Gospel for a Most Powerful Voices compilation CD and a song featured at an online retailer
* A professional coaching session from Music World Gospel artist Brian Courtney Wilson
* $5,000 worth of music equipment from Roland, manufacturer and distributer of electronic musical instruments
* $1,000 cash prize from Music World Gospel
* Recognition on GMC’s national television network
* And more!
When people register to vote or compete in the competition, they receive monthly e-newsletters from the American Heart Association’s Power To End Stroke campaign and other information to help them to reduce their risk of stroke.
Power To End Stroke reaches African Americans because of their disproportionate risks of stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death for all Americans, and African Americans are at increased risk due to the higher prevalence of risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and previous heart attack and/or stroke.
