Sing Out for Avon

Forget another tired rendition of “Happy Birthday,” Avon wants the world to sing and it has launched a global singing and songwriting contest as part of Avon Voices, an initiative tied to the company’s 125th anniversary celebration.

Participants can register for the competition at avonvoices.com, where they will be greeted with a video message from Black Eyed Peas front woman and Avon spokeswoman Fergie. The pop icon will help judge the competition, along with other high-profile music stalwarts, including songwriter Diane Warren, who wrote Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” among a number of other award-winning songs. The competition includes two parts: a global talent search for a female singer and a songwriting contest that incorporates the themes of “empowerment,” which is open to both men and women. The general public is invited to become a “talent scout,” and vote for their favorite contenders by registering at avonvoices.com.

From now through Feb. 13, women are invited to enter the singing talent search by choosing a song from avonvoices.com and uploading a video — provided they do not currently have a recording deal, said Joe Billone, vice president and project lead for Avon Voices. By March 8, Avon will narrow down the field to 200 contestants, who will travel to one of four cities around the globe — Paris, Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro and Nashville — to receive professional voice coaching and makeovers. Voters will then help further whittle down the number of hopefuls, and the top 25 will head to Hollywood on July 25 to record new music. The two winners, one from the general public and one from Avon’s base of sales representatives, will be introduced at the Avon Foundation for Women’s annual awards gala, held each fall. As part of their prize, the pair may have an opportunity to record a professionally produced album. The songwriting contest begins May 20 and will run through July 1.