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RALEIGH – The Got to Be NC program, in partnership with its musical ambassador and local singer-songwriter Paige King Johnson, is creating a voice competition called NC Ag Star to help promote agriculture with young people.

The competition is open to anyone 13 to 22 years old. The winner will receive a prize package, including a professional songwriting session, a song recorded and produced by a top Nashville studio producer, and training from industry professionals.

Plans for the NC Ag Star’s homegrown voice talent search include live auditions, semi-finals and a finale. Throughout this competition, PCG Artist Development will offer free training and music education to competing artists via online zoom meetings and on-site workshops.

As host, King Johnson will be present at all events, serving as a promotional ambassador and highlighting the hard work and resilience of North Carolina farmers.

The competition will be structured with an early registration period open now through October, plus a North Carolina High School Tour in the fall where select high schools in semifinal markets will receive a free concert by King Johnson presented by the NCDA&CS.

Auditions begin in September in the four selected markets: Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh and Wilmington.

Twelve finalists, three competitors from each market, begin virtual training for the finale in Raleigh. Visit https://NCAGSTAR.com for more information.

Semi-final rounds will be held on the following dates and locations:

Sept. 16 at the N.C. Mountain State Fair in Fletcher

Sept. 18 at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax

Nov. 4 at Martin Community College in Williamston

Nov. 6 at University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive

As a three-time Carolina Country Music Awards Winner for Female Vocalist of the Year, Country Tour of the Year, and Country Emerging New Artist, Paige’s homegrown fan base continues to expand farther than just her Harnett County backyard. In January 2021, King Johnson achieved three honors at the recent 2020 Carolina Country Music Awards, winning Female Vocalist of the Year, Country Emerging New Artist and Country Tour of the Year. The Belmont University alum captivates audiences with her down-home stage presence, cut-straight-to-the-bone stories and raw country voice.