Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

There are a few talent competitions from which to choose - 'Tastee Talent Search' to 'Dancin' Dynamites'- but for the first time there is a talent series created for Christians.

This new competition is 'Faith Talent Search'. It is an initiative of Growing Faith Ministries Limited and the brainchild of the owner, Evangelist Carlene Wilson.

"We are trying to create a platform for people of faith. You have 'Dancin' Dynamites', 'Rising Stars' and 'Tastee Talent Search', but in the church you don't have any opportunities," said Wilson.

She continued, "We have a lot of talent in the church, but it's so difficult for gospel artistes to reach the top."

Wilson says this is a competition which will encourage the contestants to write their own songs and give glory to God.

13 weeks

The competition, which is Gleaner-sponsored, should run for 13 weeks. It will begin on June 19 with an audition in Mandeville. There will be four other auditions in St James, St Ann, Kingston and Portland. When this first round is complete, the competition will be aired during prime time on CVM TV and Power 106 FM and covered in The Gleaner.

At each audition, 10 acts will be chosen by the judges. Of that total, the public will choose three contestants from the five parishes who will go to the studio round. The judges will also choose three wild cards, who will also go to the studio round.

"Through this, we are uplifting people as well. I am helping somebody. Our country is filled with so much crime and violence, so whatever we can do to uplift the people, we should. Everybody should try to do his or her part, you can't always depend on the government," said Wilson, who is also a singer and songwriter.

$1million in prizes

There is more than $1 million in cash and prizes. The winner will be contracted to Growing Faith Ministries Limited for three years. There are also scholarships and overseas trips to be won. An album will also be compiled that will have singles from each act that reaches the studio finals. Plans are in place to also produce a magazine that will record the events that took place throughout the series.

"It is geared to everybody. It is their moment to shine, not just sing on the choir and then go home. If they have a talent, they can express it on a different level," Wilson told The Gleaner.

She also encourages pastors to endorse the competition and support the contestants.