Things to Do
Things to Do

Pick your favorite semi-finalists for ‘The Gift’ singing competition

By Shelia Poole
May 10, 2016

Fans of the annual “The Gift” singing competition can now vote for their favorite vocalists.

Voting opens today and runs through Sunday. Finalists will go on to compete at the ATL Soul Life Music Fest on May 28 at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater, 3025 Merk Rd. S.W.

Two of the 19 semi-final contestants will win $5,000 each. Local contestants hail from all over the metro area including Ismael Adan Contreras and Alaya Morris, both of Norcross.

This is the 11th year of the competition, which is sponsored by the Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operators Association.

Last year’s winner was Nola, a singer who lives in East Point.

She said the competition “allowed me to put my name out there on a different level. Instead of just being Nola. Oh that’s Nola the 2015 winner of The Gift. It’s a great feeling.”

To vote for your favorites, go here.

Related:

ExploreLisa Fischer : Making music that feels good

Otis Redding fans can pay respect at Grammy Museum exhibit

About the Author

Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.

Follow Shelia Poole on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Whole Foods caper berries come packed in water, vinegar and salt.

Credit: Whole Foods

Where can I find it: caper berries, sewing machine repair

Having trouble finding a particular item? Sabine Morrow will try to help you locate it.

It’s craft time ... but now for adults

A guide to Atlanta craft clubs and workshops, created for adults craving human connection and an activity to do with their hands.

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Your guide to fun things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta now that the kids are out of school.

The Latest

Whole Foods caper berries come packed in water, vinegar and salt.

Credit: Whole Foods

Where can I find it: caper berries, sewing machine repair

It’s craft time ... but now for adults

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Featured

Savannah Chrisley, daughter of former reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, speaks outside the Federal Prison Camp on May 28, 2025, in Pensacola, Fla. President Donald Trump pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were found guilty of defrauding banks out of $36 million and hiding millions in earnings to avoid paying taxes. (Dan Anderson/AP)

Credit: Dan Anderson/AP

Trump’s pardons may backfire, former federal prosecutors warn

The president's actions could erode faith in the justice system and deter federal investigators and prosecutors, Atlanta attorneys say.

A Georgia kid placed 3rd in national spelling bee. He hopes to return in 2026.

Georgia fifth grader Sarv Dharavane placed third in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the youngest participant to make the final round.

South Georgia mayor among those arrested, indicted for election interference

Prosecutors say Owens and the 2 election officials improperly blocked voters from casting ballots in a special election. Polling places were locked the morning of the vote.