North American Talent Search (NATS)
Sponsored by the Pentecostal Music Association

What: A talent search in three categories:

1. Male Solo
2. Female Solo
3. Small Vocal Group/Praise Bands (Up to 8 people)

When: During the 6:30 p.m. Extravaganza before each evening service. 
            (A different category will sing each night)

Where: North American Youth Congress

Who: Single Young People between the ages of 12 and 25.

Rules and Guidelines:

1. A fee of $25.00 made payable to NATS 2009, a completed Entry Form, and a Demo  on CD of the applicant accompanied by a soundtrack must be received by the  North American Talent Search office no later than Friday, May 1, 2009. Not responsible for late, illegible,  mutilated or misdirected entries. Registration fees for late entries will be returned to the entrant.
2. All entries must be delivered to:
   
   North American Talent Search 2009
   c/o  Tim Pedigo
   902 Fletcher Ave.
   Indianapolis, IN   46203
   
3. The North American Talent Search (NATS) finals will be held each evening during the 6:30 p.m. Extravaganza, before the main service at the 2009 North American Youth Congress in Nashville, TN.
4. All single young people between 12 and 25 years of age are welcome to enter.
5. An application for the Talent Search is can be downloaded from the Pentecostal Music Association web-page:  www.pmaupc.org
6. Only one entry will be accepted per person or small group (8 people or less).
7. Artists whose services are currently contractually obligated to a record label are not eligible to compete. Previous NATS 1st Place Winners are not eligible.
8. All songs entered must Religious/Christian/Gospel songs.
9. Each application must have the signature of the applicant's Pastor.
10. All entries will be reviewed and scored by a panel of Christian music professionals from our Bible Colleges, Ministers of Music, performing artists, and the recording  industry. The Pentecostal Music Association reserves the right to replace or name  new judges when necessary.
11. Round One: All entries will be reviewed and scored by a selection panel. The top 15 scoring entrants from each category will advance to the nest round.
    Round Two: These entrants will be reviewed and scored by a secondary panel. The  top five scores from each category in this second round of judging will be invited  to participate in the North American Talent Search Finals "Live" during the 6:30 p.m. Extravaganza each evening.The judges for the second round will score each entrant on the following:
    
    1. Vocal Presentation (dynamics, presence, etc.)
    2. Pitch accuracy
    3. Tone or Voice quality
    4. Diction
    5. Material selection
    6. Overall performance (song interpretation, etc.
    7. Groups will also be scored on harmony and blend.
       
       Round Three: The "Finals" live at Youth Congress.
       
12. The "Finals" will be performed live with a Soundtrack and voted on by the audience present in the Arena.
13. "Finals" participants, except for Praise Bands, will not be permitted to use live bands. All songs will be performed with instrumental soundtracks.
14. The only exception will be Praise Bands.
15. Winners will be announced during the offering in the Friday night service.
16. The Maximum length for songs must not exceed five minutes.
17. The audience ballots during the "Live Finals" will be counted and will ultimately
    determine a single winner from each category.
18. All participants in the "Finals" will be required to dress and carry themselves in a way that is consistent with the values of the North American Youth Congress  platform guidelines.
19. Any participant who does not conform to these guidelines will be disqualified.
     NAYC Platform Guidelines: 
    1. Men - Please have a clean hair cut (hair not over the shirt collar or ears). All male participants must be clean shaven (No Facial Hair).
    2. Women - No makeup, and have your sleeves at least to the elbow. Skirts/dresses must have hemlines below the knees.
    3. Men and Women - No jewelry.
       
       Thank you, in advance, for respecting these guidelines.
20. Winners will be awarded in each category:
    
    First Place: 
    - A professionally recorded CD project in conjunction with Oak Valley Studios and Daywind Soundtracks.
    - A $1,000.00 cash prize.
    - A trophy for their particular category.
    - Included on a compilation CD recording of all of the winners.
     -The invitation to participate in the Pentecostal Music Association service on Wednesday night, 2009, of General Conference. (At winner's expense)
    
    Second Place:
    - A $500.00 cash prize.
    - Included on a compilation CD recording of all of the winners.
     -A trophy for their particular category
    
    Third Place: 
    - Included on a compilation CD recording of all of the winners.
    - A trophy for their particular category.
21. All participants must agree to abide by federal, state, and local laws including, but not  limited to, copyright laws and laws relating to unauthorized duplication of  recordings. Participants must agree to allow their names, voices, likeness and  submitted recordings to be used and broadcast by the Pentecostal Music  Association during the competition and in subsequent announcements.
22. Participants must agree to hold the Pentecostal Music Association or the United Pentecostal Church International harmless for any accident, misfortune, or act of  God that may arise from the North American Talent Search or from travel related  to this competition.
23. Winners hereby release sponsors from any product liability claims, product warranty  claims, failure of performance, and/or inability to use prize.
24. No substitution or transfer of prizes permitted.
     Exception: In case one of the category winners cannot or chooses not to
    participate in the recording package given as a prize, The PMA reserves the right to award that prize to the runner-up contestant.
25. The contest sponsors reserve the right to refuse any entry and refund the entry fee at  their discretion.
26. All entries become the final property of the North American Talent Search 2009. They will not be returned.