MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Jimmie Rodgers Foundation has announced the finalists for this year’s Jimmie Rodgers Singer/Songwriter Talent Competition, set to take place Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX).
Presented by 97OKK, the competition is part of the 72nd annual Jimmie Rodgers Festival, showcasing emerging talent in both youth and adult divisions.
Finalists in the Youth Division (ages 10–17) include:
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John Carter Ballard
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Kooper Minor
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Grace Notes
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Casen Bryce
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Preston Martin
Finalists in the Adult Division (18 and older) include:
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Chance Evins
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Landon Hill
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Olivia Williamson
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JD Miller (performing as Wailin’ Wallace)
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Chloe Goss
The live competition will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The MAX in downtown Meridian.
Video submissions for entry closed May 1, and public voting was held from May 2 to May 7. Submissions included a wide range of video styles, from cellphone recordings to fully produced performances. Original songs are a key element in judging—mandatory in the adult division and offering bonus points in the youth division.
Prizes for the competition include:
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Adult Division: $1,000 in cash and recording studio time provided by The MAX. The winner will also earn a coveted spot opening for the Saturday night show at the Jimmie Rodgers Festival on May 17.
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Youth Division: $500 in cash and studio time provided by The MAX.
For more information about the competition and the full festival lineup, visit 97okk.com
