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The Georgiana Opry House is set to host the 3rd Annual Hank Williams Sr. Talent Showcase, a competition highlighting young independent musicians from across Alabama and the Black Belt. Auditions for the competition will be accepted through March 31 with the final showcase taking place in June. The winner will receive an opportunity to record a single in Nashville.

“We are super excited for our 3rd Annual Showcase,” said Georgiana Opry House Executive Director Tracy Eason. “Our prize package continues to improve. The educational opportunities are getting better as well, while the kids are in town. The support and public interest has grown so much! Of course, with our talented winners last year and all of their  accomplishments since winning, I am just excited to meet the kids, hear new music and watch these guys and gals grow.”

The competition honors Williams, who performed at the venue then known as the GA-ANA Theatre at just 16 years old with his band, the Drifting Cowboys. Contestants will be judged by music industry professionals, and the showcase aims to support young artists while drawing attention to the region’s cultural community.

Last year’s winner, Brant McCollough, a 17-year-old from Samson, gained national recognition after earning a “golden ticket” to Hollywood on American Idol. After winning the showcase, he traveled to Nashville to record his single, “Til Then,” produced by Pat Holt on Grace Records. The song went on to reach No. 54 on the Cash Box Top 100 Independent Artist chart in February.

Second-place finisher Summer Waters Phleger, a former Miss Autauga County Fair winner and Miss Alabama contestant, also found success after the showcase. She received a scholarship from Wind Creek Hospitality and The Poarch Band of Creek Indians and was named a non-finalist talent winner at Miss Alabama. Her single, “In Love With Your Ghost,” is now available on Apple Music.

“The Talent Showcase aims to give young artists from across the Alabama Black Belt region a chance to express their passion as we connect them with music industry professionals who can give them the tools they need to cultivate their skills,” said Development Coordinator James Little. “We are thrilled to offer opportunities for our community’s youth to grow and thrive in music.”

The competition is open to legal U.S. residents between the ages of 16 and 21, with a focus on Alabama’s Black Belt counties. Out-of-state entries are also accepted. The event is a three-tier competition, starting with a video audition, followed by a live performance before a panel of judges. Contestants may perform any genre of music, but finalists must select family-friendly material for the live event.

The first-place winner will travel to Nashville to record a single with Vest Music Group, working with producer Jim Vest and top studio musicians. The winner will also receive digital distribution on major platforms, a magazine cover story and travel expenses. The total prize package is valued at $7,500.

The second-place winner will receive a festival performance opportunity and a $400 cash prize, while the third-place winner will receive a $600 music gift card and a $200 cash prize.

For more information on upcoming events, visit www.georgianaopryhouse.com.