The national competition, part of Sevierville's annual Bloomin' BBQ & Bluegrass event on May 16-17, 2014, invites vocalists to record themselves singing one of Dolly's original songs (there are more than 3,000) in their own style for the chance to take home cash, prizes, and even a professional recording session in Nashville, Tennessee.

"We're proud of the fact that the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition is the only vocal competition in the world that specifically honors the songwriting of Dolly Parton," says Amanda Maples Marr, Marketing Director, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. "Not only is it an appropriate tribute to our hometown icon, but it also shines a positive spotlight on Sevierville."

The Mountain Soul Vocal Competition includes two age divisions: 13-and-up and 12-and-under. Interested vocalists may obtain an application online at www.BloominBBQ.com or by calling the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce at 1-888-889-7415. A completed application and entry fee must be returned along with an audition tape, CD, VHS or DVD to the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce by Friday April 11, 2014, to be considered.

All entries will be judged by a panel of entertainment professionals who will identify 30 finalists (20 in the 13+ category and 10 in the 12 and under category). Those finalists will then perform during the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition finals at Bloomin' Barbeque & Bluegrass on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at the Sevier County Courthouse near the bronze statue of Dolly Parton.

For a complete list of Dolly's songs, competitors can visit www.dollymania.net. More information about the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition and Bloomin' Barbeque & Bluegrass can be found by visiting www.BloominBBQ.com.