Chicago to host "Sparkle Singing Challenge"

Chicago will be among 15 cities that will host the "Sparkle Singing Challenge," sponsored by Sony Pictures and MySpace, on July 14.

Local winners will receive $500 in cash and a chance to compete for the national Grand Prize. The Grand Prize winner will win a trip to New York, an appearance on BET's "106 & Park" show, a recording session with the Punch Monkeys producer & writing team, and a Myspace homepage feature.

Amateur singers between the ages of 13 and 40 will be asked to sing a 60 second a capella version of one of two songs: "Celebrate" or "Something He Can Feel."

Clips from the songs, official rules and more information about the contest can be found at www.myspace/sparkle.

Chicago-area residents can register from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 14 at Orland Square Mall, 288 Orland Square in Orland Park. The contest will take place between 2 to 4 p.m.