Pigeon Forge to Host “Path to Fame Talent Competition” (The Winner Chats with Kelsea Ballerini!)

A number of famous entertainers have got their start right here in Pigeon Forge, TN, from Smoky Mountain native Dolly Parton, to former Dollywood performer Carly Pearce. This spring, Pigeon Forge will launch the career of another star at its new Path to Fame Talent Competition!

Drawing on the best talent from around the Southeast and the Midwest, Path to Fame is an America’s Got Talent-style competition featuring musicians, comedians, and specialty acts. The winner of the contest will receive a private consultation with country singer Kelsea Ballerini, a mentorship from a Nashville-based talent executive, and a host of other star-making prizes. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Pigeon Forge’s Path to Fame.

Auditioning for Pigeon Forge’s Path to Fame Talent Competition

In order to attract the best entertainers in the country, the Path to Fame Competition is holding auditions in three of America’s biggest (and most talented) cities:

Cincinnati, OH – April 14, 2018
20th Century Theater, 3021 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209

Nashville, TN – April 21, 2018
Skyville Live, 2602 Westwood Dr, Nashville, TN 37204

Atlanta (Marietta), GA – May 12, 2018
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060

All of the auditions will take place from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Eligible performers include vocalists, instrumentalists, comedy/improv acts, and specialty acts. Path to Fame is open to both individuals and groups, which can consist of up to five people. Please note that dancers, acrobats, gymnasts, and animal acts are excluded from auditioning.

To register for an audition in one of the cities listed above, visit www.pffame.com.

Path to Fame Finals in Pigeon Forge

The top 12 acts from Cincinnati, Nashville, and Atlanta will travel to Pigeon Forge to compete in the Path to Fame Finals! Held on Saturday, June 16, 2018, the competition will be open to the public. Each performer will have five minutes to perform for a panel of judges and a live audience. The venue and time for the Finals have not yet been announced, but we will update this blog when more information becomes available.

Grand Prize Details

The winner of the Path to Fame Talent Competition will receive an incredible prize package that is designed to launch their career in the entertainment industry. As reported in the Seiver News Messenger, the package includes a one-year mentorship from Nashville-based talent executive John Alexander, who discovered Kelsea Ballerini and worked at the Great American Country TV network for over a decade. Other elements of the prize package include:

• A consultation with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini
• A return trip to Pigeon Forge in which the winner will perform at local theaters
• 4-day/3-night stay in Pigeon Forge for five with lodging and access to dozens of attractions
• $250 Pigeon Forge shopping spree
• A consultation with industry executives to discuss career development
• Studio recording time
• Photography and videography session
• Access to theater performers, hair, makeup, and wardrobe professionals for consultation
• Media training session with public relations professionals

Where to Hear Live Music in Pigeon Forge

Although the Path to Fame Talent Competition Finals is still a little ways away, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy live entertainment in Pigeon Forge right now! Here is a handy guide to the Top 4 Places to Hear Live Music in Pigeon Forge.