American Idol - Choir Style

Nationwide Search to Find 'Most Exciting Church Choir' Begins This Fall
Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2006 Posted: 7:48:11AM EST

A new competition to find America’s ''most exciting church choir as defined by its music'' will be sweeping the nation this fall, with a half-million dollar educational scholarship awaiting the winning church.

Voices of Joy” will stage live competition in 12 cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., with all churches within a 100 mile radius welcome to submit an entry. Those chosen for the local, regional and finals competitions will be judged on inspiration, performance, and originality, according to the Voices of Joy website.

“Voices of Joy is really an introduction to a missing link – something that is not now in a proper space,” said the Rev. Floyd Flake of Allen African American Methodist Episcopal Church. “People being able to have a voice – I think this is a space that needs to be filled.”

The competition will also be televised nationally as a reality series for the entire 13 week duration.

"I think the concept of a show, reality show or musical show, based on church choirs is fantastic,” said Musical Director Craig Jessup, “music and inspiration wherever it might be.”

Local competitions begin Sept. 9 with entry deadline on Aug. 18. For complete rules and information, visit www.voicesofjoytv.com.