The criterion for entering the show is simple - contestants must have never before have concluded a recording agreement, and they must be under no current contractual obligation to any record label. This competition is only for an individual performer aged between 18 - 28 - and not a group.

This competition will be run over an 11-week period and will be broadcast as a half hour show every Sunday at 6.05pm, from October 2. The show comprises nine national preliminary rounds, culminating in a semi final and the finale. Watch your local press for details.

The Backstage EMI Superstar Search 2005 will be anchored by Backstage ' s Ziggy (Charl Timotheus). Please note that Ziggy has a separate show called Tjooning In, which debuts on Wednesday, September 14. It will be incorporated into every Wednesday ' s episode of Backstage. 

Ziggy will introduce the Backstage EMI Superstar Search into his new show on Wednesday, September 28. He will begin to profile the contestants from Wednesday, October 5. A viewer ' s competition with wonderful prizes, will be linked to the show.

Bronwyn Keene-Young, e.tv ' s Channel Director, commented on the series: "e.tv is very excited to be embarking once again on the Backstage Superstar Search. Following on the success of the 2004 event, we are proud to have EMI on board as a partner this year. We have no doubt that the Backstage EMI Superstar Search will unearth the new young singing stars of 2005 and beyond." 

The judges are:
Arthur (Kwaito star/musician)
Grace Mahlaba as Ipeleng Teledi (In character as Backstage Principal) 
Malebo Phage (Head of Local Productions e.tv) Mike Maswanganye 
(Marketing and Promotions Director EMI/CCP) The viewers will act as 
the " 5th " judge participating via SMS. 

The entry forms along with a photograph and demo tape (if possible) must be hand delivered to the e.tv offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, or posted to e.tv ' s Johannesburg offices for the first round of elimination. Applicants are encouraged to submit a demo tape or CD. 

Entry forms are available online at www.etv.co.za from Monday, August 15 to Wednesday, September 7. Alternately, they can be collected from the following e.tv offices: 

Cape Town Physical Address:
e.tv
Block B
Longkloof Studios
Darters Road Gardens
Cape Town 8001

Johannesburg Physical Address:
e.tv
5 Summit Road
Hyde Park
2196

Monde Twala, e.tv Executive Producer, Backstage EMI Superstar Search, 
says: " South Africa is blessed with an abundance of talent. As 
e.tv we are proud to play a role in nurturing and developing this new 
breed of talented young stars. Who knows - the next Mandoza, Lebo 
Mathosa or Zola will be unearthed. You don't want to miss this. "

Arthur says, "We've seen a lot of talent shows before, but I think the winner from this competition will go a long way in the industry because of the parties involved in the setting up of the talent search."

Call for entries MONDAY, AUGUST 15 - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 THE 
BACKSTAGE EMI SEARCH 2005 every Sunday from October 2 @ 6.05pm

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