The second annual sing-off competition is underway. Equitable Gas Company is searching for musically talented middle and high school students to audition for the event as part of the upcoming 2012 First Night Pittsburgh celebration, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
"We're asking them to submit a video audition performance, and they can do that via YouTube, by submitting a video up to five minutes in length," said Equitable Spokesman Scott Waitlevertch.
The number of entries is expected to be larger this year. When shows like American Idol have held auditions in the area, the response has been huge.
"So we just thought, 'Why not showcase local talent through a great local event like First Night, and have them perform during First Night as well?'" said Waitlevertch.
The deadline to submit an audition video is November 11, 2011. Up to five finalists will be chosen, and those will be open to online voting. The winner will be announced to the public and will perform at First Night Pittsburgh on New Years' Eve. This year the winner will also get a cash prize of $500 from Equitable.
Last year's winner was Nicoletta Giacchino, a senior from Franklin Regional High School.
