Program Details
Motown Mic: The Spoken Word was created to pay homage to Motown Records’ Black Forum Label— a Motown spoken word label created by Berry Gordy and the Motown Corporation in the ‘70s as a venue for Black expression and education. The label served to capture the voices of African American poets and orators such as Langston Hughes, Stokely Carmichael, Elaine Brown, Ossie Davis and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose moving and inspirational “I Have A Dream” speech was recorded by the label. As Motown revolutionized the music industry, its Black Forum Label documented the social consciousness of a generation— Motown Mic: The Spoken Word is a continuation of that rich legacy.
Eligibility
- Contestants must be 16 years or older. Contestants under 18 must submit a performance release for minors signed by a parent/legal guardian.
- Contestants must be solo acts.
- If selected as a finalist, contestants must be present, in person, at Hitsville NEXT for the dress rehearsal and grand finale.
- Motown Museum expects all performances to be family-friendly. Lyrics containing profane, vulgar or explicit sexual lyrics will not be allowed.
Employees of Motown Museum and immediate family of anyone on the judges’ panel are ineligible to apply.
In addition, please be advised that neither Motown Museum, no their successors and assigns will pay contestants to compete at this event.
Application Process
Extended Application Deadline: TBD
Complete the online application form
- Upload a video of you performing an original topic on the topic below. The piece you audition with will also be the same piece you perform for the Grand Finale.
- TOPIC: 2021 saw the relaunch of Motown Records Black Forum label – a platform for new generations of writers, thinkers and poets to amplify and inspire the voices of all people and perspectives. This year, Motown MIC celebrates all of the labels of Motown Records and their continued ability to transcended barriers and foster unity, harmony, and love amongst all. As you pen your entry for the 2021 Motown MIC do so on the topic: “As you pen your entry for the 2021 Motown MIC do so on the topic: “How Motown’s music changed America”
- 3 minutes in length. Judges will issue a 1 point deduction should a piece exceed or fall short of the 10 second grace period.
- A panel of judges will review and score applications based on the Judge Rubric.
Prizes
The Grand Prize-Winning Act will receive:
- The title of 2023 Motown MIC: The Spoken Word Artist of the Year
- $3,000 Cash Prize
- Engagement with Motown Records Black Forum Label executives
- Published on a literary broadside through Broadside Lotus Press
- 2 hour studio session in Hitsville NEXT Stern Recording Studio
- Be featured in a nationally released Press Release for the Grand Finale, and be taken on a Media Tour as well as continued promotion of the winners’ achievements through our social channels, website, and e-Newsletter
- Your performance featured on the Motown Museum 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:
- $2,000 Cash Prize
- 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:
- $1,000 Cash Prize
- 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
Prize Redemption Rules:
All prizes must be redeemed by the winner(s) within one year (365 days) of the Grand Prize announcement. Failure to redeem within one year will result in forfeiture of any unused portion of the prize(s).
- The prize cannot be claimed by third parties on behalf of winner(s). Unless the winner(s) is under 18, then a parent/guardian must claim the prize.
- There is no substitution, transfer or cash equivalent for prizes, except at the sole discretion of Motown Museum and its affiliates.
- Each prize is expressly limited to the item(s)/service(s) listed above and does not include taxes, gratuities or any other expenses.
- Payments of all federal, state and local taxes related to the award of the above prize(s) are solely the responsibility of the winner(s). The winner(s) will be required to complete and submit an IRS Form W-9 with the winner’s full Social Security Number or the equivalent for receipt of any prize valued at $600 or more and such winnings will be reported to the IRS. Failure to submit a completed W-9 or equivalent will result in forfeiture of prize.
The Motown Museum staff will not act as representation or management for the winning act. No contract negotiations will be made on the party’s behalf.
FAQs
I’m having issues uploading my application, what should I do?
Should you have any issues submitting your application, please click here.
I’m concerned about the application fee, what should I do?
If the application fee is an issue, please contact programs@motownmuseum.org. Financial aid is available.
Do I qualify to have the application fee waived?
Application fee waivers are available for applicants that qualify. You qualify for a fee waiver if:
18 and under:
- College Board SAT or ACT fee waiver documentation. For more information on the College Board fee waiver process, please visit their website.
- Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL) documentation.
- Documentation showing that the school has waived the common applicant fee
19 and older:
- Most Recent FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR). Must be within 2 years of fee waiver request to be eligible.
- Unemployment Benefits Statement from the past 90 days.
- Documentation showing that the school has waived the common applicant fee
If you qualify, to apply for a fee waiver please click here.