[1]MOBILE, Ala. (BP)–University of Mobile sophomore Alicia Morris of Chatom, Ala., has won the grand prize in a national gospel vocalist contest, the Ultimate Southern Gospel Talent Search.
Morris sings for the UM vocal ensemble “Witness” and is majoring in communications.
The biannual contest is sponsored by Southern Communications, a major southern gospel recording company. More than 200 people from across the United States entered the contest.
As part of the grand prize, Morris will travel to Nashville, Tenn., to record a new gospel song within the next few months.
Her song will be included in a compilation CD with several other big-name gospel artists. Previous compilations have included the Gaither Vocal Band, The Cathedrals and Karen Peck & New River. The CD will be sent to at least 1,000 radio stations nationwide to give Morris national publicity.
Morris entered the contest in early November by sending in a demo tape.
[2]“I prayed about it at first; I wasn’t sure if this was what God wanted me to do. Also, it cost $50 to enter the contest,” Morris said, “which is a big chunk of money for a college student.”
Morris said she finally felt peace about entering the contest, especially after praying and reading her Bible.
“I read the verse in Philippians 4:13, which says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ I felt the Lord was telling me I could do it,” she said.
McGaughey is a UM public relations writer.