The bright lights will shine at Wayne State University a week from Saturday during the auditions for a youth talent competition that will give young people a chance to win professional training, media exposure and even a shot at a recording gig.
The Special Touch Learning Center, a non-profit Sterling Heights-based arts organization, is putting the event together with the help of a number of corporate sponsors.
"We want all the children that are interested to come down and show their special strengths and talents," Special Touch Learning Center Founder and Director Wanda Fountain-Coates told HuffPost.
"We wanted to see nice, homegrown talent in Detroit and the metro area," she added. "Motown and a lot of the great artists are from Detroit, and we wanted to bring that back."
Auditions for the "Detroit's Got Talent" Youth Showcase will be open to Detroit-area singers, musicians, dancers and other performers from the ages of 7 to 17. The auditions will be judged by panels that will include several Grammy Award-winning artists. Organizers expect around 1,000 young people to participate.
Those who pass the auditions will receive professional coaching on Saturdays throughout the month of May in preparation for a final showcase beginning June 2. Prizes include a scholarship to the Special Touch Learning Center and access to professional recording and performance opportunities.
Auditions for the event are being held at the State Hall Building (5143 Cass near Warren) on Wayne State's campus on Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All applicants must register online. For more information see www.detroits-got-talent.com.
The organizers of "Detroit's Got Talent" are also looking for extra volunteers with professional singing, dancing and musical experience. Please contact coatesenterprises@yahoo.com for more information about volunteering.