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ExploreTalent.com announced this week the launch of their "Idol" contest, taking place until August 18th, where aspiring artists compete for a chance to open an their upcoming Michael Jackson tribute concert.

Those interested must upload a music video or MP3 of one of their songs to Explore Talent's website (ExploreTalent.com) and fit within the urban music genre (R&B, hip-hop or rap).

When the contest ends, a winner will be chosen shortly afterward, and will open the company's upcoming concert, where they'll be flown to Miami's luxurious Eden Roc Hotel for two nights and be announced at the press conference the night before the event.

The winner will also participate in the meet-and-greet with Akon, T-Pain, Ne-Yo and Flo Rida before the show starts at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. Immediately following, they'll kick-off the show with a 12-minute performance in front of 13,000 fans and share the stage with the aforementioned artists.

The value is estimated at $250,000. Two runners-up with win prizes as well -- the first getting an all-access pass to the event and the second runner-up will receive a premium ticket to the show.

"No more cramming in long lines and spending all of your hard earned dollars on travel to a destination where you may not even have a chance to audition, now you can become an 'Idol' from your laptop," said Ami Shafrir, CEO of ExploreTalent.com. "This is the first of many weekly contests for ExploreTalent Idol with the same objective ... not just finding stars, but creating them."

Visit ExploreTalent.com for more info.

ExploreTalent.com was established in 2003, and has since registered nearly 3 million registered members. Aspiring actors, models, dancers, musicians and all those searching for entertainment-related opportunities interact with industry professionals looking to hire them or simply submit to the 50,000 new auditions and job openings posted each month.

Baller Status / Thanks Joy C!