Bobby Sowell Official Photos

NEWS UPDATE - (Memphis, TN) Bobby Sowell was on this past year's Mid-South Fair Youth Talent judge's panel. This Youth Talent Contest is the largest amateur contest in the world and has been inviting youth talent for the last 51 years. Bobby won it when he was 18 years old. The contestants are invited from many preliminaries from a 7 state area during the calendar year. One of the Semi-Finalists last year is now on American Juniors (the younger version of American Idol on Fox TV) and doing well. Her name is Lucy Hale and she has made it to the Final 10 on that program. Bobby and the rest of the Judges will see between 650-700 acts crossing the stage during this time frame before they decide which act will progress to be the Grand Award Winner. The program's sole purpose is the discovery, development and encouragement of young entertainers in a positive, family-oriented forum. Contestants are offered the chance to compete for over $25,000 in cash and prizes as well as $10,000 in scholarships and National Network TV appearances. Bobby says, "I appreciate the Invitation and consider it an honor and my way of giving it back, It will help my career, pride and ego as well as my reputation knowing I may have a small part in someone's future music endeavors and for that I am grateful." Who knows where it may lead? Bobby could be the next "Simon"!

The Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest has served as a launching pad for the careers of many noteworthy performers. Elvis Presley is probably one of the most famous participants. Before achieving international stardom, young Elvis competed (but didn't win) in the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest. After his appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, he made a surprise return to the Mid-South Fair in 1956 and played to an enthralled hometown audience. Past Grand Award winners includes Patsy Cline, Pop and R&B singer Wendy Moten, Marty Slayton and Lisa McNeal both of the vocal group “Crystal”, have been singing backup for superstars Reba McEntire and Faith Hill respectively. Marty can also be seen this spring on the Chevy Trucks Country Music Festival tour with George Strait and Lee Ann Womack. Songwriter and singer Jimmy Davis, who has written hits for Restless Heart and Martina McBride was a performer here. 1999 Grand Award winner Daniel Spiotta performed with the national touring company of the Broadway musical Jeckyll and Hyde, singing sensations Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass performed on the Youth Talent stage before achieving mega-stardom with the pop group `N Sync and top Memphis bands from the 60's such as "The Gentrys", "The Guilloteens", "The Crackerjacks" & "The Box Tops".

Foot Note: Some previous contestants who did not win or place in the finals were Elvis Presley and Jason Timberlake.