Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Now Accepting Entries

To honor the incredible songwriting of Dolly Parton, her hometown will once again host the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition, now in its 11th year. This year’s competition will be sponsored by Sound Biscuit Productions and will feature contestants who are asked to sing a song written by Dolly in the style of his or her own choosing (country, rock, rap, bluegrass, etc.). Contestants may enter in the 13 and up age division or the 12 and under division for this competition.

Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on Jan. 19, 1946 in Sevierville, Tenn., Dolly drew much inspiration from her “Tennessee Mountain Home” and wrote about the beautiful scenery and Appalachian culture that surrounded her.

After graduating from Sevier County High School, she moved to Nashville, where her prolific career as a songwriter and performer would blossom. Now, more than 3,000 songs later, Dolly continues to create wonderful music for people all over the world to enjoy.

Dolly Parton has written more than 3,000 songs during her career.

“This competition is truly unique and draws competitors from all corners of the United States,” said Amanda Marr, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director and event organizer. “Since Dolly Parton is Sevierville’s hometown girl, holding a competition that honors her songwriting ability is a natural fit for us.”

As far as event organizers know, this is the only vocal competition in the world that specifically honors the songwriting of Dolly Parton. Winning competitors will take home cash and prizes including a recording session in Nashville, Tenn.

Audition tapes, sent by mail, will be judged by a panel of entertainment professionals who will then identify 30 finalists in two separate divisions – ages 13+ and ages 12 and under. The entry deadline for the preliminary round of the competition is April 8, 2015.

Those finalists will then perform on the Sound Biscuit Productions Stage during the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition finals at the Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass event on May 16, 2015.

For a complete list of Dolly’s songs, competitors should visit www.dollymania.net. It is not necessary, nor is it encouraged, to impersonate Dolly Parton, either physically or vocally.

Interested vocalists may obtain an application online at www.BloominBBQ.com or by calling the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce at 1-888-889-7415. Return the application and entry fee along with an audition tape, CD, DVD, or Digital File on Jump Drive / Thumb Drive of the contestant singing a song written by Dolly Parton in the style of his or her own choosing, to the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. Entries must be postmarked by Wed., April 8, 2015.

The Mountain Soul Vocal Competition is part of Sevierville’s 11th Annual Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass event May 15-16, 2015. For more information about the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition or Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass, visit www.BloominBBQ.com.