The third annual C.A.T.S., INSP’s Christian Artist Talent Search, opens Feb. 14 for contestants to enter. A television series on INSP-The Inspiration Network and syndicated stations will follow the 64 finalists in competition. The grand prize winner will receive a national recording contract valued at more than $200,000, from the Butterfly Group.
Music industry professionals and celebrity judges will determine the winner from the 64 finalists competing weekly for the grand prize recording contract.
To get a better feel for the competition, the 2003 contest is currently airing on INSP.
The 2004 competition, open for sign-up until April 19, is for singers, whether solo, duo or group. Styles may be gospel, contemporary, southern gospel, praise and worship, or other Christian genres. Contestants may sign up at the INSP website. More information is available at (704) 561-7955.
“In our first two years of C.A.T.S., we have found great talent to showcase,” said Ron Shuping, Senior Vice President of Programming, The Inspiration Networks. “This talent, combined with the excitement of the competition building to the finals, makes for exciting television viewing as well as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of the contestants.”
The third annual C.A.T.S. will air beginning in January 2005 on INSP and syndicated stations, reaching more than 40 million homes. Sixty-four finalists will be chosen to compete in televised competitions that will be produced in INSP’s studios in Charlotte, North Carolina, in July, 2004. There will be 23 televised programs, beginning in January, 2005. (The 2003 competition is currently airing on INSP.)
The series host is Clifton Davis, best known for his work on television sitcoms and variety shows. Davis, an ordained minister, also composed such hit songs as “Never Can Say Goodbye” by The Jackson Five. He is probably best known as Rev. Reuben Gregory, star of the popular “Amen” TV series on NBC 1986-1991.
The Inspiration Networks includes three cable television networks: INSP—The Inspiration Network, digital Inspirational Life Television (i-Lifetv) and digital Hispanic family network, La Familia Network. INSP is on more than 2,000 U.S. cable systems with 21 million households. The network targets the millions who embrace inspirational values
