Live and Unsigned is a music competition in the United Kingdom for unsigned bands and vocal groups to perform live for substantial prizes. It was founded 2007, and has attracted over 40,000 entrants annually since its inception. Competitors perform in their own genre and style to a paying audience and judging panel. The competition tours the UK holding auditions and finals in various areas and regions, and the Grand National Final is held in London The O2 in London being the last used.
2011 winners The Trinity Band at the Grand Final
2008 Live and Unsigned winners Kiddo360
The Lottery Winners hearing they have won in 2010
CoCo and the Butterfields 2014 in Norwich (photo by Roger Blackwell)
Open Mic UK is a live music competition run by Future Music Management in the UK for singers, vocalists and solo artists. Acts compete at regional auditions to get the chance to perform live at live music showcases to reach an annual national final, which is held at indigo at The O2 complex in London and The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The event, which offers a recording contract and investment to the final winner, was described by Joel James of BBC York & North Yorkshire as "one of the toughest competitions in the country."
Winner Hatty Keane (third from right) with 2010 judges
Kirsty Michele Anderson, 2009 winner
Winner Hatty Keane performing at Open Mic UK 2010
Siana Open Mic UK winner 2012