Program Details
Amplify: The Sound of Detroit seeks to build on the rich legacy of Classic Motown by celebrating the unique voices of Detroit and the creative synergy of artists past and present in order to curate authentic experiences for artists to grow and connect.
AMPLIFY invites aspiring Detroit talent to take part in three (3) months of artist development comprised of master classes, vocal coaching, performance coaching, professional styling, and more. All of this to perform on stage and compete for the chance to be awarded Amplify Artist of the Year, $5,000 cash, performance opportunities, studio time in our recording studio, a national media tour, professional coaching, and more.
The Amplify Grand Finale event is an open-to-the-public, family-oriented event celebrates the unique voices of Detroit and the creative synergy of artists past, present, and emerging.
How to Apply
This year we’re going LIVE for Amplify invite-only auditions! Hopeful contestants must complete a submission form following the link below for a chance to secure your spot and be invited! If selected, you will receive a confirmation email with more details. At auditions, participants should be prepared to sing two (2) songs that best showcase their vocal ability, 60-90 seconds in length containing no profanity or vulgarity.
Registration Deadline: January 6, 2026
Live Auditions: January 10, 2026
Eligibility
- Contestants must be residents of SE Michigan
- Contestants must be 16 years or older. Contestants under 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian & sign a Minor Release Form upon arrival
- Should a contestant be selected as a finalist, they must be present in Detroit, MI for all artist development sessions and any other mandatory events.
The following persons are ineligible to apply
- Employees of Motown Museum
- Immediate family of anyone on the judges’ panel
- Any artist(s) who are currently signed to a major label
- Any individual that participated in the 2026 competition as a Top 10 finalist
Prizes
The Grand Prize-Winning Act will receive:
- The title of Motown AMPLIFY the Sound of Detroit Artist of the Year
- $5,000 Cash Prize
- Opportunity to record up to 8 hours of studio time in the Hitsville NEXT Recording Studio
- Be featured in a nationally released Press Release for the Grand Finale, and continued promotion of the winners’ achievements through our social channels, website and e-Newsletter
- Your finale performance featured on our website and YouTube Channel
- Opportunity to perform at various events throughout the year for Hitsville NEXT and its affiliates
The Second Place Act will receive:
- $2,500 cash prize
- Opportunity to record in the Hitsville NEXT Recording Studio
- Be featured in a nationally released Press Release for the Grand Finale, and be mentioned on Motown Museum’s website and social media channels
- Opportunity to perform at various events throughout the year for Hitsville NEXT and its affiliates.
The Third Place Act will receive:
- $1,500 cash prize
- Opportunity to record in the Hitsville NEXT Recording Studio
- Be featured in a nationally released Press Release for the Grand Finale, and be mentioned on Motown Museum’s website and social media channels
- Opportunity to perform at various events throughout the year for Hitsville NEXT and its affiliates.
FAQs
I’m having issues pre-registering, what should I do?
Contact programs@motownmuseum.org for support.