Gospel competition pushes stroke awareness
(pictured above: Latice Crawford)
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Most Powerful Voices – a national gospel singing competition – has returned to search for dynamic gospel performers who will raise stroke awareness — particularly in the African American community — through the power of music.
The online competition is open to independent artists, groups and choirs who sing gospel, praise, worship and holy hip-hop. This is the fifth year of Most Powerful Voices and the fifth year the contest has been presented by UP, formerly the Gospel Music Channel.
Participants can visit http://www.mostpowerfulvoices.org and upload a video or MP3 file of their performance between now and March 2. Voting is already underway, so artists are encouraged to enter as soon as possible. Fans have until April 28 to vote for their favorite artist.
Public votes will determine the top 10 artists. Industry experts such as RCA Inspiration Artist Latice Crawford, A&R executives and a Roland Corporation musicality expert will review the top 10 and select the winner.
More than 100,000 African Americans will suffer a new or reoccurring stroke this year, which is why those who register to compete or vote will receive potentially lifesaving stroke information.
Whitfield
“Stroke is a leading cause of severe, long-term disability and death for all Americans, and African Americans are at increased risk due to higher prevalence of risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and previous heart attack and/or stroke,” said Dr. Rani Whitfield, a family practitioner in Baton Rouge, La. and an American Stroke Association spokesperson. “We need to reach as many people as possible to help them to reduce their risk and to know what to do in a stroke emergency to help improve stroke outcomes.”
The winner will be announced May 23 and will receive a number of prizes, including a performance opportunity at a 2015 Stellar Awards Weekend Showcase, $1,500 in cash and $3,500 worth of vocal performance equipment from Roland Corporation.
