Description

• Vocal Competition Information 

  
  

  Entry Deadline: April 17, 2025 

  
  

• Sevierville, TN is the hometown of America’s biggest country legend – Dolly Parton. So far during her prolific career, she has penned over 3,000 songs! As a tribute to her song writing, Sevierville’s Bloomin’ Barbeque is presenting the 21st Annual Mountain Soul Vocal Competition.
  
  Contestants must sing a song written by Dolly Parton in the style of his or her own choosing – that may be country, bluegrass, rock, rap, etc. It is not necessary nor is it encouraged to impersonate Dolly physically or vocally at this competition. Simply sing the song in the way most suited to your vocal style.
  
  Contestants may submit up to two songs per entry. If chosen as a finalist, contestant must state which of those two songs they will perform in the final round by May 1, 2025.
  
  As far as event organizers know, this is the only vocal competition of its type anywhere that specifically honors Dolly Parton’s music.
  Twenty (20) finalists in the ages 13 and up category and ten (10) finalists in the 12 and under category will be chosen to come to Sevierville, TN on May 17, 2025 and compete in the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition finals.
  
  Contestants must sing a song that Dolly Parton wrote, not simply a song she recorded. Please be careful in your song selection. There are several well-known songs recorded by Dolly that she did not write such as “Here You Come Again”, “Why’d You Come in Here Looking Like That,” “He’s Alive,” etc. To be sure your song is Dolly-written, go to www.dollymania.net or do an online search for the song and writer. Contestants not singing songs written by Dolly Parton will be disqualified.
  
  Contestants will be judged by a panel of entertainment professionals. The first place winner of the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition will receive: Ages 13+ a check for $500, a studio recording session in world famous Nashville, TN, and a guitar autographed by Dolly Parton; The first place winner ages 12 and under will win a check for $100, a Dollywood season pass, and a guitar autographed by Dolly Parton.
  
  The final round of competition begins at 11:30 am Saturday, May 17, 2025 on the Back Porch Stage (beside the Dolly Parton statue on the lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse, 125 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN 37862).