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A Queen City Talent Competition & Fundraiser
In a City built for a queen, it's time to crown the next star!
Inspired by the excitement of America's Got Talent, Crown Charlotte's Talent is a citywide talent competition hosted by the Charlotte Center for the Arts. Performers of all ages and talent types are invited to showcase their abilities while helping raise funds to support the future of the arts in Charlotte.
Named after Queen Charlotte herself, this competition celebrates the creativity, passion, and talent that make our community extraordinary.
Auditions Open: July 15 – August 5
Online Voting: August 10-21
Live Finale: September 18 at Charlotte Latin School, Horne Performing Arts Center
About the Competition
Crown Charlotte's Talent is more than a talent contest—it's a fundraiser dedicated to strengthening Charlotte's arts community.
Participants will compete for the title of Charlotte's Talent while helping raise funds toward a $30,000 goal supporting our Community Arts Hub market and feasibility study. This study will help advance the vision of creating an accessible arts center that serves artists, performers, and audiences throughout the Queen City.
Whether you sing, dance, act, perform comedy, play an instrument, or have a unique specialty talent, this is your opportunity to shine.
How It Works
Auditions
July 15 – August 5, 2026
Submit a video audition showcasing your talent or attend one of our in-person audition(s) (see below for audition details). All auditions and audition videos will be reviewed by a preliminary judging panel.
We welcome performers of all ages and talent styles, including:
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Singing
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Dance
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Acting & Theatre
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Instrumental Performance
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Specialty & Variety Acts
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Comedy
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Spoken Word
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Other Unique Talents
Don't see your category listed? We'd still love to see your audition!
Online Voting and Fundraising
August 10-21, 2026
Once chosen to enter the preliminary round, contestants will participate in an online voting and fundraising campaign. Contestants will rally friends, family, coworkers, and supporters to contribute toward the Charlotte Center for the Arts mission. Every dollar raised supports the campaign goal of creating a vibrant and accessible arts future for Charlotte.
Top 20 fundraising contestants will earn a spot in the Live Finale Event. These finalists will perform live on stage before a panel of judges and audience members.
Live Finale Event
September 18, 2026
Charlotte Latin School, Horne Performing Arts Center
Finalists will showcase a 3–4 minute live performance. At the end of the evening, judges will select the competition winner. Winners will also be selected for a People's Choice Award and a Top Fundraising Award.
Judging and Awards
Preliminary Round Judging
A panel of judges will review all video and in-person submissions and determine eligibility for participation.
Of those eligible submissions, the top performers will be chosen by the panel of judges (up to 40 artists / groups) to advance to the preliminary (peer-to-peer fundraising) round. Contestants will be notified regarding next steps following the audition review period.
Live Finale Judging
The top 20 fundraisers of those in the preliminary round will be the finalists who advance to the finale event. At the finale event, finalists will perform before a panel of judges who will evaluate performances based on talent, stage presence, creativity, and overall entertainment value.
Awards
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Crown Charlotte's Talent Champion (Judges' Choice Award) - Prize to be announced soon!
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People's Choice Award - Prize to be announced soon!
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Top Fundraiser Award - Prize to be announced soon!
Meet the Judges
Our panel of distinguished judges will bring expertise from the worlds of performing arts, entertainment, education, and community leadership.
Judge announcements coming soon!
Audition Requirements
Submission Window
July 15 – August 5, 2026
In-Person Auditions
Check back soon for in-person audition date(s) and details
Virtual Auditions - How to Submit
Email your audition by 11:59pm EST on August 5, 2026 to clebleu@artscenterclt.org
Include:
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Performer's name (If group, please include the group name and the names of all individuals in the group)
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Age(s) of performers
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Talent Category (singing, dancing, acting, instrumental, specialty act, etc.)
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Website or Social Media Handles (if applicable)
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A 3-5 minute video audition submitted as a YouTube link
Video Requirements:
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Submit a YouTube video link only
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Your YouTube video may be set to Public or Private, but it must be shared and viewable by clebleu@artscenterclt.org for judging purposes.
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Link must remain active throughout the competition
Please note that the material submitted in your audition video will be used for the competition and peer-to-peer fundraising rounds. Changes to audition material after submission may impact eligibility and could result in removal from the competition.
Important Notice
The audition material submitted must be the same material used throughout the competition. Changes to performance content after submission may result in disqualification.
Who Can Enter?
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All ages welcome
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Open to all talent categories
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Individuals and groups accepted
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Must be available to perform live at the live finale event on September 18, 2026
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Must participate in the fundraising campaign
We can't wait to see your talent and celebrate the incredible performers of the Queen City!
Charlotte Center for the Arts is committed to creating inclusive opportunities for performers and audiences of all abilities. For accommodation requests, contact Colleen LeBleu
Why This Competition Matters
Every performer helps support a larger vision.
Funds raised through Crown Charlotte's Talent will contribute to a community arts feasibility study focused on bringing accessible, dedicated arts spaces to Charlotte.
Your talent can help create new opportunities for artists, performers, educators, and future generations.
Together, we're building a stronger arts community by providing venues for artists and patrons, alike.
Live Finale Event Details
The Live Finale Event will take place on September 18, 2026 at Charlotte Latin School, Horne Performing Arts Center. This event is open to the public and will feature live performances from the 20 competition finalists, as well as a winner crowning ceremony.
Check back soon for more details and to purchase tickets
Competition Sponsors
See our sponsorship opportunities below to see your company logo here!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Lead the Kingdom. Inspire the Future.
Our premier sponsorship level for the Live Finale performance.
Benefits:
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Event presented as "Crown Charlotte's Talent Finale Presented by [Your Business]"
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Prominent logo placement on all event marketing, website, and social media promotions
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Large logo featured on event program
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VIP sponsor seating for guests
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On-stage recognition during opening and closing remarks
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Feature spotlight on social media before the event
Contact Jeanine Qasim if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Crown Charlotte's Talent
Ready to Claim Your Crown?
Showcase your talent.
Support the arts.
Compete for the title of Charlotte's next Talent.
Submit Your Audition Today!
Questions? Contact Colleen LeBleu at clebleu@artscenterclt.org