Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am has teamed up with the Doritos brand and Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA) Records to find undiscovered musical talent in a new contest.
The competition, which will run through Nov. 25, is open to all unsigned artists. Contestants must submit an original song inspired by their passion and creativity based on their experiences.
A video of the artists performing their song as well as an audio file of the same song can be posted at http://www.snackstrongproductions.com.
Will.i.am, along with Geffen Records A&R executive vice president and producer Jack Joseph Puig,, and Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA) Records A&R executive Ryan O’Donnell, will serve on a panel of judges that will select 10 semi-finalists.
After the semi-finalists are revealed in December, consumers will vote to determine the three performers make it to the final round of the competition. Fans will then vote online to choose the best performer.
The winning act will have its music video aired during a commercial break on the Fox network’s Super Bowl XLII broadcast on Feb. 3, 2008.
In addition to the video, the winner will receive a record deal with IGA.
All three finalists will each be awarded $10,000 as well as a trip to Phoenix to attend the Doritos Super Bowl party.
“We are not looking for the new Doritos jingle, we are looking to entertain the fans we love during the Super Bowl with a great song and a great performance from any genre,” said Ann Mukherjee, group vice president, marketing, Frito-Lay in a statement. “As part of a panel of qualified judges, will.i.am and executives at Interscope Geffen A&M Records will leverage their knowledge and passion for music to help us celebrate the incredible talent of our fans who are just waiting to be discovered.”
The Doritos contest is the latest venture for will.i.am, who recently released his third solo album Songs About Girls. T
he album, which features an appearance from rapper Snoop Dogg, is in stores now.
