THE MOUNTAIN SOUL VOCAL COMPETITION

Dolly Parton has written more then 3000 songs. That factotum is at once startling AND not at all hard to believe. And one of those songs will win some lucky vocalist a lot of cool swag.

The 10th Annual Mountain Soul Vocal Competition is essentially underway. By that, I mean entries are being accepted as we speak and will be up until Friday, April 11th.

There are two divisions: 12-and-under and 13-and-up.

What you'd need to do to participate for a chance to win cash, prizes, and a recording session at a Nashville studio is to submit a performance--via mp3, DVD, CD, tape, or VHS--of a song written by Dolly Parton.

Again, were you to aimlessly throw a dart, there's a good chance you'd hit a Dolly Parton-penned song. The entertainment icon, as mentioned above, has written plenty. In fact, www.dollymania.net will help take the guesswork out of the assignment for you.

You'll find them all there.

The Mountain Soul Vocal Competition finals happen Saturday, May 17 at the Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville, Tennessee as part of Bloomin' Barbeque & Bluegrass, an annual east Tennessee festival.

In fact, finalists will be performing their selections very near the bronze statue of Dolly Parton which adorns the courthouse lawn.

Sounds like a blast.

Your online application awaits at www.BloominBBQ.com. You may also secure one by calling the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce at 1-88-889-7415.

For a little inspiration, check out Terrie Winkle's cover of Dolly's haunting "The Bargain Store" from the 2012 contest (and good luck!):

Filed Under: Dolly Parton