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Georgiana Opry House will host the first annual Hank Williams Sr., Talent Showcase on May 6.

The competition is open to contestants ages 16-21.

The age group was picked in honor of Hank Williams’ first performance at the Opry House when he was 16 years old.

The goal of this event is two-fold, according to Tracy Eason with the Opry House. The event showcases and recognizes the talent of the young artists in the area, while bringing attention to the arts within not only the community of Georgiana, but Butler County as a whole.

Contestants must pay a nonrefundable entry fee of $50 and fill out an application to register.

“The first part is them submitting a video of themselves singing,” Eason said. 

If their video is picked by the judges, then the second stage of the competition begins.

“The second stage is the ‘live’ performance in front of an audience, and the celebrity judges,” Eason said.

The contestant who finishes in first place receive not only a $2,500 cash prize, but the opportunity to have a music video produced by Leon Everette, a nine-time gold record winner, and one of the judges.

The second-place contestant will receive a 30-minute set on stage at the Hank Williams Festival and $1,250, and the third-place contestant will receive $625 and a new acoustic guitar.

Among the other celebrity judges are Lynn Owsley, a steel guitar player and member of the Texas Troubadours; Michael Bush, pastor of the Burning Bush Church in McKenzie; and Troy DJ John Mike McCall.

The deadline for video submissions is Feb. 1.

“30 videos will be picked from all the entrants,” Eason said.

Other judges include Jim Vest, a music producer, and Lisa Rolling, a Gospel singer.

“Each judge brings something different to the table as far as performance, production, and those already successful in the music industry,” Eason said.

Any category of music is open for the competition, but there are certain submission rules and eligibility requirements.

Besides being a legal resident of the U.S., a contestant must not be in the process of running for a public office or under a contract that would prohibit them from performing.

A full list of details is available at www.georgianaopryhouse.com.

Online ticket sales for the event will be available starting April 1.

“Plans for this event have been in the works for well over six months now,” said Nina Bonner, owner of Simply Beautiful Occasions in Georgiana.

She is also partnering with the Opry House to give the performers dressing room space in her shop before their big moment on stage.

“We are looking forward to this,” Bonner said.

The historic Georgiana Opry House is located at 602 E. Railroad Avenue in downtown Georgiana.

For more information, contact Eason at 251-583-2925. 

The Georgiana Opry House can also be found on Facebook, as well as the Facebook group, We Are Georgiana, Alabama!