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

As host, King Johnson will be present at all events, serving as a promotional ambassador and highlighting the hard work and resilience of North Carolina farmers.

The competition will be structured with 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. Visit the NC Ag Star website here for more information.

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

• Sept. 16 at the N.C. Mountain State Fair in Fletcher
• Sept. 18 at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax
• ​Nov. 4 at Martin Community College in Williamston
• Nov. 6 at University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive

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